This shrewd change to LIV Golf’s Promotions event could lead to more golfers competing

For the curious rank-and-file PGA Tour member or journeyman pro without tour status, participation in the first two editions of LIV Golf Promotions, the upstart circuit’s version of Q School, had been a shaky proposition. For starters, the number of qualifying spots available was limited; three were up for grabs in 2023 but just one a year ago. There was also the concern of running afoul with the PGA Tour, which prohibits LIV members from competing in its events. Toss in the fact that the promotions event were held in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, respectively, making travel expensive, and it was understandable why, despite the chance to play your way on to a tour that holds $20 million, no-cut events, some pros were reluctant to give LIV a try.

Will that still be the case, though, given the details LIV Golf revealed Monday about the upcoming Promotions event that will provide a pathway for LIV membership in 2026? Officials with the circuit announced that two spots in the league will be up for grabs. Of more intrigue, however, is the fact that the tournament will be played at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Fla., from Jan. 8-11.

By holding the event in the United States, more American-based golfers might be willing to give LIV a try, particularly those without full status in 2026. Given the shrinking number of fully exempt players on the PGA Tour, and the stalemate in talks about a potential deal between the PGA Tour and LIV’s financial backer, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, there’s an anticipation that the number of entrants would be greater than the 93 who played in the event last year.

The Promotions event at Black Diamond will including four 18-hole stroke-play rounds. The top 20 and ties from Round 1 advance to Round 2, where scores will reset and the field will expand to include more golfers exempt from playing in the opening 18 holes. A similar scenario will play out in Round 2, with the top 20 and ties moving on to the final two rounds, which will be an aggregate 36-hole competition that will determined the final outcome.

LIV Golf Promotions will offer a prize money payout of $1.5 million with the winner earning $200,000. In addition to spots on the LIV circuit for the top two finishes, all those in the top 10 would be fully exempt for the Asian Tour’s International Series.

“LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil in a press release. “As fan interest in LIV Golf continues to increase and the opportunity to compete across the U.S., Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East against some of the biggest names in golf grows, it’s only natural that we broaden access for talented, ambitious players to earn their way into the league.”

Part of the reason for the increase from one to two in terms of LIV Golf spots available in the Promotions event is also believed to be to help LIV Golf in its bid to be recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking so that players in its events will be able to earn World Rankings points. LIV Golf officials resubmitted an application for rankings points this past summer. The OWGR had declined an initial application in 2023, taking issue with the ability of golfers to play their way on to and off of the tour.