LIV Golf Seeks Entry into World Ranking: A New Opportunity?
The LIV Golf circuit has resubmitted its application to be included in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), without offering details on how it will differ from its initial proposal, rejected almost two years ago. The OWGR announced that it has received the request and has begun the review process to determine whether the Saudi Arabian-funded league, which has 54 players, will be included in the ranking.The OWGR Board will hold its annual meeting next week during the Open. In October 2023, the OWGR rejected the first application, arguing that it could not fairly evaluate LIV Golf due to its structure, which resembled a closed system, and the possibility that individual results could be affected by team results. LIV Golf currently has 54 players, distributed across 13 teams of four members and two wildcards. The roster remains stable throughout the season, with substitutes available in case of injuries. Other golf tours allow for changes in player participation through various forms of qualification, allowing for greater flexibility in the composition of the fields. LIV Golf initiated a “promotion” event offering three spots at the end of 2023, but it was reduced to one spot last year. In addition, the leader of the Asian Tour International Series also earns a spot in LIV, provided they are not already a member.The OWGR Board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications, and LIV’s will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR criteria to ensure impartiality, integrity, and consistency.
OWGR Statement
World ranking points are crucial for LIV Golf, as the four majors (all with representation on the OWGR board) use the ranking to determine participants. The U.S. Open and the Open this year added a category for the best LIV players. The Masters and the PGA Championship use invitations at their discretion to include those they consider deserving.
LIV Golf, which at one point tried to obtain ranking points by joining the MENA Tour in Africa, formally withdrew its first application in May 2024. Scott O’Neil has replaced Greg Norman as CEO of the Saudi league. He met with Trevor Immelman, the new OWGR chairman, at this year’s Masters, and Immelman stated that he has spoken on the phone with O’Neil on several occasions. Immelman indicated that the rejection letter sent to LIV in October 2023 was “quite clear” regarding the board’s position at that time, and that any change would require a new application from LIV. The OWGR statement concludes: “We appreciate the interest of LIV Golf, and of all tours, in contributing to the global landscape of men’s professional golf through the OWGR.”
