LIV Golf’s Quest for World Ranking Points: An Update
Trevor Immelman, the chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has been in constant communication with Scott O’Neil, the CEO of LIV Golf, to address the issues surrounding the Saudi-funded circuit’s application for world ranking points. LIV Golf has been denied world ranking points since its inception in June 2022, with only six of its players currently ranked among the top 100 in the world.
Immelman, a former Masters champion and current CBS golf analyst, took over as OWGR chairman in April and has been working closely with O’Neil to resolve the issues. “We’ve been all working hard together, trying to get answers, trying to figure out what they want to do,” Immelman said. “They’re trying to figure out how their league is going to be evolving. They’ve decided to go to 72 holes. They’re going to be growing their field a little bit, it appears, from what I’ve been told, and could possibly want to grow even further.”
Meritocracy and the OWGR System
Immelman emphasized the importance of meritocracy in the OWGR system, which is comprised of 24 tours that operate on a merit-based system. “When you look at the OWGR and how it’s made up of eligible tours around the world… it’s about meritocracy,” Immelman said. “That’s one of the beauties of our sport, is earning your way onto a tour, fighting to keep your job on that tour.” LIV Golf’s system, which has been criticized for being a “closed shop,” has only recently introduced a promotion and relegation system, with 49-year-old Henrik Stenson being one of six players relegated out of the league.
LIV Golf’s application for world ranking points was initially rejected in October 2023, but the circuit has since filed a new application under O’Neil’s leadership. Immelman stated that the OWGR board, which includes representatives from Augusta National, The R&A, the USGA, PGA of America, and other tours, will make the final decision on LIV Golf’s application. Unlike the previous vote, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and European tour CEO Guy Kinnings will have a say in the decision, having been recused from the previous discussion due to ongoing litigation.
Implications for LIV Golf and Its Players
World ranking points are crucial for LIV Golf’s credibility and its players’ ability to participate in major tournaments, which rely on the OWGR as part of their criteria. LIV Golf players currently only receive ranking points at majors and when they compete on other circuits outside the PGA Tour, which has banned them. Immelman noted that a decision on LIV Golf’s application could be reached before the start of its next season on February 4, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As the OWGR board continues to work with LIV Golf to address the issues surrounding its application, Immelman remains optimistic about the progress being made. “I think there’s a chance” that a decision could be reached before the start of LIV Golf’s next season, he said. With the fate of LIV Golf’s world ranking points hanging in the balance, the golf world waits with bated breath for the OWGR board’s decision.
