LIV Golf makes final decision on world ranking hopes as new CEO reveals talks with major bosses
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New LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has confirmed the league's hunt for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition is over, with the target set on finding other pathways into the four major championships. Ever since its launch back in 2022, the LIV setup have been hosting events without ranking points on offer, which has led to some of their biggest names sliding down the rankings. Whilst they have been applications sent from the league to the ranking system, Greg Norman's CEO replacement O'Neil has revealed they will no longer pursue OWGR points.
"I think our time with the world rankings has passed,” O’Neil told The Times. “On behalf of golf and fans around the world, you want to see the best players on the biggest stages.". The biggest issue surrounding LIV's snub from the rankings remains the four majors, with the flagship events relying heavily on the OWGR list to determine their fields. This has seen the breakaway circuit's representation on the major stage reduce in recent years, which has proven a concern for those on the roster.
O'Neil however has assured his players that the league are in talks with those in charge of the majors to determine an alternative route to qualify. "There are several paths to go down," he added. "And from conversations with the majors we are hoping the situation continues to evolve in our favour and we are very confident it will.”.
One man on the LIV setup who currently has full playing rights on all four majors is the league's 2024 champion Jon Rahm, thanks to his victory at the Masters in 2023. Despite this, he too has expressed his concerns over the current state of the world rankings, and its lack of recognition for LIV.
