As the Chief Executive Officer of LIV Golf, Greg Norman recently articulated his dissatisfaction with the Original World Golf Ranking (OWGR) once more. His disappointment stemmed from the most recent update, where only a handful of players from the Saudi-backed circuit secured positions in the top 50.
The highest-ranked golfer on the LIV Golf circuit, Jon Rahm, currently holds the No. 2 spot in the world according to the latest OWGR, despite only participating in two events on this rival circuit. Conversely, players Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith, who have been competing in the PIF-sponsored league since its inception, were the only ones to make it into the top 50.
Using the rankings on the X, Norman highlighted the disparity with the OWGR by pointing out that the TUGR, SI, and Data Golf rankings featured more LIV golfers in the top 50. He expressed his dissatisfaction, labelling the situation as “laughable,” and noting that without the recent signees, there would only be two LIV players in the top 50 of the OWGR.
Not surprisingly, the response from fans was mixed. While some agreed with Norman’s viewpoint that the OWGR needed improvement, others argued that the players who transitioned to LIV Golf were well aware of the potential consequences.
Regarding the absence of OWGR points for LIV Golf events, the OWGR rejected their appeal last October. Peter Dawson, the chairman of the OWGR board of directors, clarified that this decision was not politically motivated but rather based on technical considerations. He emphasized that LIV players were undoubtedly talented enough to be ranked, but the format in which they competed did not provide equitable ranking opportunities compared to other tours with a larger player base.
The lack of OWGR points for LIV Golf has sparked frustration and disagreement among stakeholders in the golfing world. The debate continues about the fairness and equity of the ranking system with regards to different tours and the players who choose to participate in them.
In conclusion, the discontent with the current world golf rankings, particularly concerning LIV Golf, has become a topic of significant debate. The need to address the disparities in the allocation of OWGR points and ensure equitable ranking opportunities for all tours and players is a pressing issue that needs to be navigated thoughtfully and fairly.
It is crucial for relevant stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to explore potential solutions that uphold the integrity and fairness of the world golf rankings. By doing so, the golfing community can strive towards a system that recognises and rewards players’ performances across all tours, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the global sport of golf.