LIV Golf, under the leadership of Greg Norman, has recently announced its decision to cease pursuit of Official World Ranking (OWGR) points and has instead voiced its support for the creation of a new independent ranking system. This determination comes in light of unsuccessful attempts to secure recognition from OWGR for its breakaway league, which boasts prominent golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm.
Multiple media outlets have reported that LIV has opted to discontinue its pursuit of OWGR points due to the organization’s failure to fully acknowledge a league of LIV’s stature. Furthermore, LIV is advocating for the majors to reserve a quota for LIV players to prevent their exclusion from major tournaments, as per reports from The Times.
In July of 2022, the league initially submitted an application to OWGR for accreditation, which was ultimately rejected. In response, Greg Norman conveyed to LIV players that the OWGR cannot be deemed an official ranking if it continues to disregard the performances of LIV players. Norman stressed that the game of golf is evolving and that an independent ranking system would better serve the interests of the league, tours, players, fans, and stakeholders.
The decision of LIV to distance itself from the OWGR points system may have significant implications, particularly for lesser-known golfers who could see a decline in their rankings. It is important to note that OWGR had also expressed concerns about LIV’s player pathways circuit, with OWGR chairman Peter Dawson stating in an interview with the Associated Press that the decision was purely technical rather than political.
Presently, the top positions in the OWGR rankings are occupied by Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm. LIV’s departure from OWGR’s system is anticipated to impact the rankings of its players, potentially prompting a reassessment of the current ranking landscape in the world of golf.
As LIV transitions towards an independent ranking system, the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational is scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, this week. Meanwhile, LIV Golf is preparing for its next tournament in Hong Kong, providing an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and compete in the evolving landscape of professional golf.
LIV Golf’s decision to pursue an independent ranking system signifies a noteworthy shift in the professional golfing realm, demonstrating the league’s dedication to adapting to the changing dynamics of the sport. With this development, the future of rankings in golf is poised for transformation, as new systems and structures are likely to emerge in response to the evolving needs of players, tours, and fans.