The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has appointed Trevor Immelman as its new chairman, with the limelight on the ranking system more than ever amid the growth of LIV Golf. OWGR confirmed on Tuesday that current chairman Peter Dawson would step away from the role he has held since 2016, with former Masters champion taking on the role from April 10. "The Governing Board of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has appointed Trevor Immelman to become its new Chairman, beginning April 10, 2025," a statement read.
"Immelman, who won the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, will succeed Peter Dawson CBE, who has held the role since 2016.". On the back of his appointment, the South African said: "The Official World Golf Ranking has always been a huge part of my life and professional career. Growing up in South Africa and falling in love with the game as a youngster, the ranking system was how I tracked and followed my favourite players and understood who the best players in the world were.
“Then, as I turned professional, my focus on the rankings intensified, as I knew being in the top 50 allowed me to play in the biggest tournaments around the world. I am extremely honoured to follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Bonallack and Peter Dawson as Chairman, and I look forward to working closely with Board members to ensure OWGR remains committed to its mission.”.
He will take over from Dawson who has overseen arguably the most turbulent time in OWGR history following the formation of the LIV setup. He is set to leave with the breakaway still unaccredited by the ranking system, after Greg Norman and co saw their applications rejected due to their tournament format and relegation process.
