"Each Shot Matters: LIV Introduces Major Scoring Modification"

LIV Golf revealed a significant alteration in scoring on Wednesday, just before their first tournament of the season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For the first time ever, every player's score in each round will count towards their team's overall score.

In the previous season, only the top three scores were taken from the first two rounds, with all four team members' scores counting towards the final 18 holes.

The new format may lead to increased volatility on the leaderboard, according to LIV Golf.

\"It definitely makes things more volatile and unpredictable. No one can hide,\" said Bubba Watson, captain of RangeGoats GC. \"You have to be fully committed on every hole and every shot.\"

Higher scores will have a greater impact now. In the past, a player who had a bad day in the first two rounds could rely on their teammates to make up for it.

\"You can no longer look at the scoreboard and think, 'I'm okay, my team is doing well.' That changes things for sure,\" said Louis Oosthuizen, captain of Stinger GC.

Having a strong fourth player is now crucial, giving an advantage to teams with the best No. 4 players.

\"I like it. I think it benefits a team like ours,\" said Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII. \"We have four very consistent and strong players.\"

The new format puts more pressure on LIV Golf's six new full-time players, four of whom are 25 or younger. They will be expected to perform immediately instead of easing into their new environment.

If all four scores had counted in 2024, six tournaments would have had different team champions and one would have required a playoff.

LIV Golf also made changes to their substitution policy.

If a player withdraws during a round, their team can choose a reserve player to finish the round or tournament.

If a player withdraws between holes, the reserve player will start on the next hole. If they withdraw while playing a hole, the reserve will take their spot and complete the hole.

If a player starts a tournament but has to withdraw while on the course, they can return to compete for their team in the remaining rounds. However, they will only contribute to the team score and not compete in the individual competition.

The tournament will begin on Thursday under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club.