LIV Golf Granted Ranking Points by OWGR
In a significant development for LIV Golf, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has granted the Saudi-backed league the authority to award ranking points for the first time in its history, coinciding with the commencement of its fifth season. This decision, made unanimously by the OWGR board on Tuesday, comes with specific stipulations: only the top ten finishers and those tied will earn points, contrasting with traditional tours that typically account for a more extensive range of players.
Impact on Player Representation
Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has been excluded from the world rankings, resulting in a weaker ability to attract top-tier talent. Currently, only two LIV Golf players, Tyrrell Hatton at No. 22 and Bryson DeChambeau at No. 33, are represented within the top 50, while five additional players are within the overall top 100, including Jon Rahm at No. 97.
Significance of the Decision
This milestone is particularly pertinent as LIV Golf kicks off its latest season in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The OWGR’s decision puts an end to a lengthy contention regarding the league’s legitimacy, which has persisted since LIV’s formation. The initial application for ranking points was denied in October 2023 when Peter Dawson, the then-chairman, expressed concerns regarding the fairness of measuring LIV against more established tours.
Leadership Changes and Future Prospects
The recent change in leadership of the OWGR, with Trevor Immelman taking on the role of chairman, has facilitated ongoing discussions with LIV’s new CEO, Scott O’Neil, which likely influenced this latest decision. Despite the league moving from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format by 2026, points allocation had been a concern due to LIV’s unique player recruitment method and contract dynamics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the OWGR has now recognized LIV Golf as the 25th circuit within their rankings system, reflecting a substantial shift in the landscape of professional golf.
