The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has not yet recognized LIV Golf, which is keeping some of the league’s biggest stars from competing in the majors due to Saudi support.
Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm, among others, have suggested that the Saudi-backed league should abandon its 54-hole format, but Talor Gooch of LIV Golf is in favor of it.
Since its launch in 2022, LIV has caused a rift in the golf world by luring some of the game’s biggest names to quit the PGA Tour, including Mickelson, Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, and Bryson DeChambeau.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) provides funding for the breakaway league, which pays its golfers handsomely for their participation. Although a deal has not yet been reached, the PGA Tour and the PIF are in talks to merge in order to bring the sport back together.
On the contentious circuit, many of LIV’s early detractors—including Rory McIlroy—have since softened their positions, and it appears that the trend is here to stay. Nonetheless, Greg Norman, CEO of LIV, has dedicated a significant portion of the previous two years to obtaining approval from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
Golfers must accumulate OWGR points in order to move up the rankings and gain automatic entry into the majors. After falling through the ranks, a number of well-known superstars will not be able to participate in some of the biggest tournaments in the game this year.
For instance, Garcia participated in last week’s Masters as a past champion, but because of his low ranking, it is unlikely that he will play in the US Open, PGA Championship, or Open Championship. Conversely, players like Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood will not be competing in all four majors this year.
To help with its OWGR problem, a lot of fans would like to see LIV switch from three-day to four-day events and go from 54 to 72 holes. “We’ve got mini-tours playing 54, Champions Tour playing 54,” Mickelson stated during the Masters. Should some or all of the LIV events proceed to 72, I wouldn’t be shocked. It doesn’t really matter, but I’m not sure. I take pleasure in the competition.”
“I don’t know if I’m alone in this, but I definitely wouldn’t mind going back to 72 holes,” Rahm acknowledged in response to a question.
But, Gooch is now attempting to silence rumors that LIV will switch to a 72-hole format. According to Bunkered, Gooch stated ahead of LIV’s event in Singapore the following month: “This arbitrary number of 72 just makes me laugh. What prevents it from being ninety? Why does it not equal 108? Why did we choose to make that number the number in the first place?
“World ranking points and other such things have been discussed by everyone, but what do the fans find more enjoyable? People are looking for something more thrilling. In my opinion, the 54-hole format offers greater excitement for spectators.
The last time LIV tried to gain ranking points was in October of last year. Peter Dawson, the OWGR board chairman, told the Associated Press, “We are not at war with them.” “It is not a political decision to deny them eligibility. It’s all very technical.
“It is obvious that LIV players are skilled enough to be ranked. Simply put, they’re not competing in a way that allows them to be ranked fairly alongside the other 24 tours and the thousands of players that aim to compete on them.”
Leave a Reply