LIV Golf takes another swing at world ranking points

WASHINGTON – Will the PGA Tour and LIV Golf ever reunite? Some news released by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board of directors on July 11 makes that result look a little less likely, at least in the near term.

According to Trevor Immelman, chairman of the OWGR, the organisation is currently reviewing LIV Golf’s application for inclusion in those rankings, the submission dated June 30.

“The OWGR board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications, and LIV’s application will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR’s criteria to ensure fairness, integrity and consistency,” Immelman said.

“We appreciate the interest of LIV Golf – and all tours – in contributing to the global landscape of men’s professional golf through OWGR.

“Further updates will be provided as the review progresses.”

LIV chief executive officer Scott O’Neil released a statement in response, thanking the OWGR for its consideration in moving “the sport of golf forward”.

“We thank OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman for his continued leadership and willingness to move the sport of golf forward for the benefit of all players and most importantly, the fans,” O’Neil’s statement read.

“LIV Golf is committed to working together with the Official World Golf Ranking and its board to ensure the very best players are competing in the game’s most prestigious events.

“We are confident our application addresses the outstanding questions that exist to support a more global, all-encompassing and accurate ranking system.

“We are hopeful the review and approval process can progress ahead of the 2026 Major season.”

LIV originally applied for accreditation in July 2022, shortly after the league launched.

The request was unanimously rejected by OWGR due to concerns about the unconventional 54-hole format with no cuts, while the events featured the same 48 players all season.

So LIV golfers can currently earn ranking points only by competing in Major championships and international tour events.

That represents a bit of a conundrum for LIV golfers, who receive invites to Major championships only after amassing ranking points, which are virtually unobtainable for them without competing in said events.

Just two LIV players are in OWGR’s top 50: two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau at No. 15 and No. 22 Tyrrell Hatton.

The stakes are high for LIV’s star-studded roster as world rankings play a key role in determining entry into golf’s four Majors.

The lack of ranking points has seen LIV Golf players tumble down the rankings, with former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson now ranked 957th in the OWGR.
REUTERS