LIV Golf gets OWGR

LIV Golf Granted Limited OWGR Points in Partial Breakthrough The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) governing body announced Tuesday that players competing in LIV Golf events will now be eligible to earn world ranking points on a limited basis, marking a significant but cautious step toward recognizing the league. Under the new policy, only players who finish in the top 10 and ties of LIV Golf’s individual stroke play events will receive OWGR points. Players finishing outside that range will earn none. The decision stops short of full inclusion but gives LIV golfers a pathway back into the world ranking system for the first time. Since launching in 2022, LIV Golf has operated outside the OWGR framework due to its nontraditional format. LIV tournaments are 54 holes instead of the standard 72, feature no cuts, and include team competition alongside individual play. Those differences led the OWGR to initially rule that LIV events did not meet ranking criteria. The lack of ranking points has had real consequences. OWGR standings are a key factor in qualifying for major championships such as the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship. Without access to points, many LIV players, especially those without existing major exemptions have dropped sharply in the rankings, putting their major championship opportunities at risk. By limiting points to top-10 finishers, the OWGR appears to be addressing performance at the highest level while maintaining its concerns about LIV’s structure. The approach rewards strong finishes but minimizes the overall impact of LIV events on the rankings compared to traditional tours. For players, the ruling offers opportunity but little room for error. Golfers must consistently contend to benefit, as even solid mid-pack finishes will not count. Established stars are most likely to gain ground, while others may continue to struggle to climb the rankings. The decision reflects a broader compromise within professional golf. Granting full points could strain relations with traditional tours, while continued exclusion risked weakening the OWGR’s credibility as a measure of the world’s best players. While unlikely to end debate over LIV Golf’s place in the sport, the move represents progress. LIV players are no longer completely cut off from the ranking system, and strong performances will once again carry global significance though in a limited way.