LIV Golf has announced a significant change to its substitution policy, marking a new era in the circuit's history. The updated rule mandates that every player's score in each round will contribute to his team's overall score. This marks the first time such a rule has been enacted and is expected to add pressure, especially on the six new full-time players joining this season.
The change will have a particular impact on four of the new players, who are 25 or younger. Their performance will be under scrutiny as this adjustment introduces greater volatility on the leaderboard. Last season, only the best three scores were considered in the first two rounds, with all four team members' scores counted exclusively for the final 18 holes. This modification means that if all four scores had been taken into account in 2024, six tournaments would have seen different team champions, and another would have required a playoff.
The updated policy also alters how teams handle player withdrawals. If a player withdraws during a round, his team can select one of the available reserve players to continue for the remainder of the tournament. The reserve player will start on the next hole if the withdrawal occurs between holes. This change enhances pressure on teams and ensures that every shot matters.
"It does make volatility bigger, crazier. Nobody can hide," – RangeGoats GC captain Bubba Watson
"You're going to have to be committed on every hole, every shot." – RangeGoats GC captain Bubba Watson
This rule change provides certain advantages for teams well-prepared to handle the increased demands. Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm expressed his approval, noting its potential benefits for his team.
"I like it. I think it benefits a team like ours," – Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm
The announcement came on the eve of the season-opening tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, setting an exciting tone for what promises to be an unpredictable season. The new policy aims to challenge players and captains alike, ensuring that strategic decisions will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of each tournament.
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