LIV Golf commenced its third season recently in Mexico, and despite the numerous changes that have occurred within the circuit, such as the addition of more high-profile players, one aspect has remained consistent: LIV players still do not receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
This was not the intended outcome for LIV players. In fact, when they joined the Saudi-backed circuit, they were promised the opposite.
Carlos Ortiz, who made the transition to LIV in 2022, recently confirmed that LIV Golf officials assured him that players would eventually receive OWGR points. While there is still a possibility that this may occur, it is evident that LIV did not anticipate entering its third season without recognition from the OWGR.
“They definitely stated that we would receive them. We haven’t received them. However, I believe that it is important for people to acknowledge the presence of talented players here. If you want a world ranking that includes the best players, you must include some of us in that ranking,” Ortiz expressed during an interview on the ‘Subpar’ podcast with Colt Knost.
“I understand that we have deviated from the system, and it will take time to become a part of it. But I also believe that if the world ranking is to be accurate, it must include players of all kinds. I am not suggesting that we should have received points from the beginning, I am aware of the rules and the potential setbacks, and I accept them.”
“I simply wish that we could alter these rules and find a way to be a part of an ecosystem where we can be ranked and compete freely, not only in majors, but against other players as well.”
LIV Golf submitted its application to be recognized by the OWGR in July 2022, but it took until October 2023 for the organization to officially reject LIV’s application.
The OWGR’s primary concern regarding LIV appears to be the absence of a pathway for players to qualify for the circuit. Additionally, hosting a closed event with no cut and featuring only 54 players each week does not aid LIV’s cause.
Currently, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Brooks Koepka are the only three LIV players ranked within the Top 25 of the OWGR. Rahm and Hatton have not seen a decline in their rankings yet, as they only recently joined the circuit and have participated in just one event. Koepka remains within the Top 25 due to his victory in the 2023 PGA Championship and his T-2 finish in the 2023 Masters.
As it stands, LIV players can only earn ranking points based on their performances in major championships. However, this does not benefit the numerous LIV players who are not exempt into major championships, as they are unable to earn points and therefore have limited opportunities to qualify for future majors.
Joaquin Niemann succinctly summed up the situation by stating, “I want to win majors, but I have to get in first,” immediately after winning LIV’s Mayakoba event over the weekend.
It is worth noting that if (or when) LIV does begin to earn OWGR points, it will not automatically validate the circuit for those who are skeptical of the breakaway tour. What will capture the attention of these skeptics is LIV players performing well in major championships, as these are the only four tournaments that casual golf fans truly care about. However, without the opportunity to compete in these events under the current system, this opportunity remains unattainable.
Mark covers all major sports while closely monitoring the happenings in the golf world. He possesses a journalism and online media master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, but ultimately, it is up to you to judge his expertise. When he is not working, there is a high probability that he can be found on the golf course.