Professional golfer Talor Gooch promptly expressed his dissatisfaction with LIV Golf’s recent decision to forgo points for the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Following the circuit’s withdrawal of its application for OWGR points distribution, Gooch, currently ranked 476th, conveyed his frustration. In an exclusive statement to the Flushing It podcast, Gooch stated, “If it’s not retroactive and full points, it’s not right and it screws us players.”
The decision by LIV Golf to retract its application for OWGR points followed its denial of inclusion in the ranking system in October 2023. Gooch, the 2023 individual champion, along with other LIV Golf players, received the news on Tuesday, March 5. Announcing LIV Golf’s decision, Greg Norman cited issues with the current system and implied potential discrepancies in the OWGR’s choices, behavior, and alliances.
In addition to Gooch’s outspoken criticism, many experts, players, and fans have questioned the accuracy of the OWGR following the clash with LIV Golf. This has led to the rise of alternative world rankings such as The Universal Golf Ranking (TUGR) and Data Golf, which have been considered more reliable by many in recent years.
In contrast to his 476th position in the OWGR, both TUGR and Data Golf place Gooch in a significantly higher standing. TUGR ranks Gooch 15th with 1.29 Relative Strokes, while Data Golf positions him 33rd in the world. Both rankings also feature Scottie Scheffler as the top-ranked golfer, aligning with the OWGR’s stance.
Despite the differences in rankings, players such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who are part of the LIV Golf circuit, are facing the grim possibility of rapidly dropping in the OWGR due to the lack of points accrued from LIV events. This has stirred controversy and raised doubts about the credibility of the official ranking system.
The debate surrounding the OWGR and its handling of LIV Golf’s withdrawal continues to spark controversy within the golfing community. With players, fans, and experts at odds with the decisions made, it remains to be seen whether the OWGR will address the concerns and potentially reconsider its stance on LIV Golf’s points distribution.
In conclusion, the fallout of the OWGR and LIV Golf’s predicament highlights the complexities of the world ranking system in professional golf. With various alternative rankings gaining traction and LIV Golf players facing uncertainties, the controversy surrounding points distribution has undoubtedly shaken the golfing world. As the future of the OWGR and LIV Golf remains uncertain, the golfing community anxiously awaits potential resolution and clarity on the matter.