Saudi Arabia has become the spiritual home of LIV Golf, and the Kingdom’s capital hosts the season-opening event each year at the Riyadh Golf Club. Whether you are a lifelong golf fan or simply curious about one of the most talked-about sporting events in the Middle East, this fan guide covers everything you need to know about attending LIV Golf in Riyadh — from tickets and transport to the concerts, night golf spectacle and practical tips that will make your trip seamless. For broader trip planning, see our Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026, which covers the full picture of visiting the Kingdom.
Best Time to Visit: Early February (season opener runs February 4–7, 2026)
Getting There: Fly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh — Riyadh Golf Club is 20 minutes from the city centre
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available online
Budget: $60–150/day (tickets from ~SAR 77/day; mid-range hotel ~$120–200/night)
Must-See: Night golf under floodlights, Akon & Tyga concerts, Fan Village
Avoid: Arriving without pre-booked transport — ride-hailing availability near the course is limited
What Is LIV Golf and Why Does It Matter?
LIV Golf is a professional golf league backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that launched in 2022 and quickly became the most disruptive force in professional golf. The name comes from the Roman numeral for 54, originally referencing the number of holes played per event. From 2026, the format expands to 72 holes across four days, though the brand name remains.
What sets LIV apart from traditional golf tours is the team format. Thirteen franchised teams of four players compete alongside an individual leaderboard, creating dual storylines throughout every event. There are no cuts — all 57 players compete from start to finish — and shotgun starts mean every group tees off simultaneously, compressing action into a roughly five-hour window that is far more spectator-friendly than a conventional staggered tee-time tournament.
Saudi Arabia is not just a sponsor but the founding force behind LIV Golf. Riyadh hosts the season opener each year, and the Kingdom has invested heavily in making the event a festival-scale experience that goes far beyond golf. If you are planning to attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix or other major sporting events in the Kingdom, LIV Golf offers a similarly premium production.
LIV Golf Riyadh 2026: Dates, Venue and Format
Event Dates
The ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh 2026 runs from Wednesday 4 February to Saturday 7 February 2026. This is the season-opening event of the global LIV Golf League calendar, making it the first competitive golf of the year at the highest level.
The Venue: Riyadh Golf Club
Known as the “Pearl of the Desert”, Riyadh Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course located off the Qassim Highway in northern Riyadh, roughly 20 minutes from the city centre. The course originally opened as a sand track in 1986 before being rebuilt with full grass greens and fairways, completing the transformation in 2005. The club was recently upgraded with permanent floodlighting specifically to host LIV Golf’s night sessions.
The course spans over 7,000 yards and features wide fairways lined with palm trees, strategic bunkering and fast greens. For the LIV event, temporary grandstands, hospitality suites and the Fan Village are constructed around the closing holes, particularly the 18th green where Club 54 hospitality is positioned.
The 2026 Format: 72 Holes, No Cut
The 2026 season introduces a significant format change. Events now run over four rounds of 18 holes (72 holes total), up from the previous three-round, 54-hole format. All four scores from each team count toward the team leaderboard. There is no cut, so every player competes in every round — a major advantage for spectators who can follow their favourite player all week without worrying about them missing the weekend.
The shotgun start remains: all groups begin simultaneously from different holes, so the entire field finishes within the same window. This creates a festival atmosphere rather than the drawn-out scheduling of traditional stroke-play events.
Night Golf: The Signature Experience
The defining feature of LIV Golf Riyadh is night golf. All four rounds are played under permanent floodlights, transforming the Riyadh Golf Club into a neon-lit arena. The night format was first introduced in Riyadh in 2025 and proved so successful that it returns as the centrepiece of the 2026 season opener.
Playing under lights means Riyadh’s February climate works in the spectators’ favour. Daytime temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), but evening temperatures drop to a pleasant 9–15°C (48–59°F) — far more comfortable for standing on the course for several hours. The light show on the course and the illuminated city skyline in the background create a visual spectacle that is unique in professional golf.
Tip: Bring a light jacket or hoodie. February evenings in Riyadh can feel genuinely cold once the sun sets, especially if there is a breeze. Layers are essential — see our Saudi Arabia packing list for more advice.
The Stars: Teams and Players to Watch
LIV Golf fields some of the biggest names in professional golf. Here are the key teams and players you will see at Riyadh in 2026:
| Team | Captain | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Legion XIII | Jon Rahm | Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Caleb Surratt |
| Crushers GC | Bryson DeChambeau | Paul Casey, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri |
| 4Aces GC | Dustin Johnson | Thomas Pieters, Thomas Detry, Anthony Kim |
| Ripper GC | Cameron Smith | Elvis Smylie, Marc Leishman, Hibiki Kaminaka |
| Torque GC | Joaquín Niemann | Carlos Ortiz, Sebastián Muñoz, Abraham Ancer |
| Cleeks GC | Martin Kaymer | Adrian Meronk (defending champion), Richard Bland, Victor Perez |
| HyFlyers GC | Phil Mickelson | Cameron Tringale, Brendan Steele |
| Fireballs GC | Sergio García | David Puig, Luis Masaveu |
| Smash GC | Talor Gooch | Peter Uihlein, Harold Varner III, Charles Schwartzel |
| Stingers GC | Hideki Matsuyama | New roster for 2026 |
| Majesticks GC | Lee Westwood / Sam Horsfield | Ian Poulter, Laurie Canter |
| Southern Guards | Louis Oosthuizen | Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, Thriston Lawrence |
| Korean GC | Byeong Hun An | Danny Lee, Minkyu Kim, Younghan Song |
Adrian Meronk of Cleeks GC is the defending individual champion, having won wire-to-wire at LIV Golf Riyadh 2025 with a 17-under total. Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII won the team event at the same tournament by an emphatic 11 shots. Both will be the ones to watch in 2026.
Tickets: Types, Prices and Where to Buy
LIV Golf Riyadh offers three ticket tiers, all of which include access to the post-round concerts:
Grounds Pass
- Single-day: From SAR 77 (early bird) to SAR 195 (~$21–52 USD)
- Four-day pass: From SAR 255.50 (~$68 USD)
- Includes: Course access, Fan Village entry, food and beverage vendors, family activities, concert access
- Children 12 and under: Free with a ticketed adult
- Single-day: From SAR 153 (~$41 USD)
- Includes: Everything in Grounds Pass plus reserved viewing platforms throughout the course, access to The Oasis (open-air lounge with seating, private restrooms and a big-screen TV with live feed)
- Single-day: SAR 3,400–3,600 (~$907–960 USD)
- Includes: Chef-curated dining, all-inclusive bar, private terrace overlooking the 18th green, unlimited re-entry to explore the course
- Taxi: Green SAFWA taxis are the authorised provider at the airport. Expect to pay SAR 50–80 (~$13–21 USD) to the golf club area.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and Careem both operate in Riyadh. Book from the designated ride-hailing pickup zone at the airport.
- Metro: The Riyadh Metro Yellow Line (Line 4) connects the airport to downtown stations. From KAFD station, you will need a taxi or ride-hail for the final leg to the course. See our Riyadh Airport to city centre guide for detailed metro instructions.
- Hotel shuttle: Some hotels near the course and in the KAFD district run event shuttles during LIV Golf week — check with your hotel when booking.
- Layers: A light jacket or hoodie is essential once the sun goes down
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will cover significant ground following players across the course
- Sunglasses and SPF: If you arrive for pre-event activities during daylight hours, UV levels are high
- Phone charger / power bank: You will be out for 5+ hours between golf and concerts
- Cash and cards: Most vendors accept cards, but carry some Saudi Riyals for smaller purchases. See our ATM and banking guide for currency tips
- Boulevard Riyadh City: The entertainment mega-zone with restaurants, shops, concerts and immersive experiences — a 20-minute drive from the golf club
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): A dramatic cliff face 90 minutes from Riyadh — one of the best day trips from Riyadh
- Diriyah: The UNESCO-listed birthplace of the Saudi state, now home to luxury hotels, restaurants and the At-Turaif heritage district
- Kingdom Tower observation deck: The 99th-floor Sky Bridge offers panoramic views of the entire city
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia: World-class galleries covering Arabian history from prehistory to the modern Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fan Guide — Everything you need for the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
- Saudi Pro League Football Guide — How to watch, attend and follow Saudi football
- Boxing in Saudi Arabia — Upcoming fights and how to get tickets
- Formula E Riyadh — Circuit, tickets and travel guide for the electric race
- Riyadh Season Events Calendar — Month-by-month breakdown of the capital’s entertainment programme
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
Grounds Plus
Club 54 Hospitality
Where to buy: Official tickets are available through the LIV Golf Ticket Portal and via Webook.com, the primary ticketing partner for major events in Saudi Arabia. Early-bird pricing sells out quickly — book as soon as the window opens, typically in November or December.
Concerts and Entertainment
Every LIV Golf ticket includes same-day access to live concert performances after the golf finishes. The 2026 Riyadh event features a star-studded lineup:
| Night | Artists | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday (Feb 4) | DJ Pawsa | 10:30 PM |
| Thursday (Feb 5) | R3HAB + Alshami | 11:00 PM – 1:10 AM |
| Friday (Feb 6) | Tyga + Akon + Miami Band | 11:00 PM – 1:10 AM |
| Saturday (Feb 7) | Myriam Fares | 11:00 PM |
Beyond the concerts, the ROSHN Group Fan Village operates throughout all four days with interactive activations, mini golf, food trucks, children’s activity zones, fair rides and big-screen viewing areas. The atmosphere is closer to a music festival than a traditional golf tournament — this is deliberate. LIV events are designed to attract people who might never attend a conventional golf event.
If you enjoy the festival-and-sport combination, February in Saudi Arabia is packed with events, including Saudi Founding Day celebrations on 22 February.
Getting to Riyadh Golf Club
From King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Riyadh Golf Club is located off the Qassim Highway in northern Riyadh. From King Khalid International Airport, the drive takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Options include:
Warning: Getting a ride-hail from the golf club after evening events can be challenging due to high demand and the semi-rural location. Pre-arrange your return transport, or plan to wait 15–20 minutes for a car. Event shuttles to satellite parking lots are the most reliable option.
Event Parking and Shuttles
LIV Golf provides satellite parking lots with free shuttle buses running from approximately two hours before tee-off until 30–45 minutes after play ends. Designated ride-share drop-off zones are positioned near the course entrance. Details are published on the LIV Golf app closer to the event.
Where to Stay
Riyadh has a wide range of accommodation, from budget hotels to ultra-luxury. For LIV Golf, consider these areas:
| Area | Distance to Course | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Riyadh (near course) | 5–10 min | $80–180/night | Convenience, minimal transport hassle |
| KAFD / Olaya district | 15–25 min | $120–400/night | Restaurants, nightlife, metro access |
| Diplomatic Quarter | 20–30 min | $150–350/night | Quiet, upscale, park setting |
| Airport hotels | 25–35 min | $70–150/night | Early flights, budget option |
Book early. LIV Golf coincides with Riyadh Season, and hotel prices spike during major events. For a full rundown of accommodation options across the Kingdom, see our Saudi Arabia Hotels Guide.
What to Wear and Bring
February in Riyadh is the Kingdom’s coolest month, with daytime highs around 25°C (77°F) and evening lows that can drop to 9°C (48°F). For an evening event under lights, plan for:
Saudi Arabia’s dress code for men and dress code for women at sporting events is relaxed. Smart casual is fine — shorts, t-shirts, and sportswear are all acceptable at LIV Golf.
Food and Drink at the Event
The Fan Village features a food festival with a rotating selection of food trucks and vendors serving Saudi, Middle Eastern and international cuisine. Saudi Arabia does not serve alcohol at public events, but the range of fresh juices, Arabic coffee and soft drinks is extensive. Club 54 hospitality guests receive chef-curated dining and an all-inclusive non-alcoholic bar. For more on what to expect around alcohol in the Kingdom, see our honest guide to alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
The Full 2026 LIV Golf Calendar
Riyadh opens the season, but the 2026 LIV Golf League visits 12 venues across five continents. If you are building a multi-stop trip, here is the full schedule:
| Dates | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 4–7 | LIV Golf Riyadh | Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia |
| Feb 12–15 | LIV Golf Adelaide | The Grange Golf Club, Australia |
| Mar 5–8 | LIV Golf Hong Kong | Hong Kong Golf Club |
| Mar 12–15 | LIV Golf Singapore | Sentosa Golf Club |
| Apr 16–19 | LIV Golf Mexico | Club de Golf Chapultepec |
| May 7–10 | LIV Golf Virginia | Trump National Golf Club, Washington D.C. |
| May 28–31 | LIV Golf South Korea | Asiad Country Club |
| Jun 4–7 | LIV Golf Spain | Real Club Valderrama |
| Jun 25–28 | LIV Golf Louisiana | Bayou Oaks at City Park |
| Jul 23–26 | LIV Golf Great Britain | JCB Golf & Country Club |
| Aug 6–9 | LIV Golf New York | Trump National Golf Club Bedminster |
| Aug 20–23 | LIV Golf Team Championship | The Club at Chatham Hills |
Beyond Golf: What Else to Do in Riyadh
If you are flying to Riyadh for LIV Golf, extend your stay and explore the capital. February is one of the best months to visit, with comfortable temperatures and a packed events calendar.
For a full city breakdown, see our Riyadh Season events calendar and the broader Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
Practical Tips for First-Time Attendees
Arrive Early for Autographs
LIV Golf has dedicated autograph zones near the practice areas. Players are generally accessible, especially during Wednesday’s practice round and pre-round warm-ups. Get there 60–90 minutes before tee-off for the best chance.
Download the LIV Golf App
The official app provides real-time leaderboards, GPS course maps, shuttle schedules and push notifications for key moments. Download it before you arrive — mobile data in Saudi Arabia is reliable but check our SIM card guide if you need a local number.
Understand the Team Format
If you are new to LIV Golf, pick a team to follow. The team element adds a layer of drama that traditional golf lacks — players celebrate together, and team standings shift dramatically through each round. The 18th hole is where most team drama unfolds.
Stay for the Concerts
The post-round concerts are included in every ticket. The 2026 headliners — Akon, Tyga, R3HAB and Myriam Fares — perform from around 11:00 PM, meaning you can watch 4–5 hours of golf followed by 1–2 hours of live music. Plan transport accordingly — you may not leave until after 1:00 AM.
ROSHN Rising Stars
Title partner ROSHN Group runs a “Rising Stars” youth programme during the event, providing golf education and mentorship with LIV Golf players. If you are bringing children, enquire about this programme when purchasing tickets.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of over 60 countries can obtain a Saudi tourist e-visa online before travelling. The e-visa costs approximately SAR 480 (~$128 USD) including insurance and is valid for one year with multiple entries of up to 90 days each. Processing is typically instant. If your nationality is not on the e-visa list, check our visa guide for alternative options including visa-on-arrival and transit visas.
Getting to Saudi Arabia
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh is served by all major Gulf carriers (Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, flydubai) as well as direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Mumbai, Delhi and dozens of other cities. February is peak travel season for Riyadh, so book flights early. For terminal details and arrival procedures, see our Riyadh airport terminal guide.