LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed professional golf league, recently made headlines by withdrawing its bid for world ranking points. Formed in 2022, LIV Golf features a select group of 54 players who compete in no-cut events throughout the season. The league’s format includes 54-hole, shotgun start tournaments, providing an alternative to the traditional PGA Tour structure. Players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have switched from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, seeking a fresh approach to professional golf.
Initially, LIV Golf applied for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) accreditation in July 2022. However, the OWGR raised concerns about the league’s format, leading to the denial of accreditation in October 2023. Despite this setback, LIV Golf continued its pursuit of world ranking points until recently.

In a letter to LIV Golf players, CEO Greg Norman announced the league’s decision to abandon its bid for world ranking points. Norman emphasized that the current ranking system was not the best path forward for LIV Golf and its players, citing concerns about the OWGR’s unwillingness to collaborate constructively with the league.

As a result, LIV Golf players will now rely on other tours, such as the DP World Tour and the Asian Tour, to improve their world rankings. The OWGR’s denial of points from LIV Golf events has affected player rankings, with only a handful of LIV players currently in the top 50. Major champion Patrick Cantlay called for collective action to address the issue, emphasizing the need to prioritize the best players in major championships.

While the OWGR remains rigid, major championships have the flexibility to issue special invitations. Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann received such an invitation for the upcoming US Masters and the US PGA Championship. This move has opened the door for discussions about fairness and recognition of deserving players.

LIV Golf’s withdrawal highlights the complexities of merging a new league with established systems. As golf’s governing bodies deliberate, players and fans hope for a solution that honors talent and ensures exciting major championships.

"Image: Paul Casey at LIV Golf" by JazzyJoeyD