LIV Golf Reapplying for OWGR Points Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Golf Fans on Social Media

The LIV Golf had previously seen its application for the OWGR points being rejected in October 2023.

LIV Golf Reapplying for OWGR Points Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Golf Fans on Social Media

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil (Image via Golf Monthly)

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The LIV Golf has once again applied for the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) points. This action from the league sparked mixed reactions among the golf fans and ignited debates regarding this topic on social media.

The OWGR is the official stat that is used to rank golfers across the world. Almost every tour around the world receives them except LIV Golf.

Each week, players receive some points for their performances in tour-sanctioned tournaments. So, players on the PGA Tour receive points every week which affects their world rankings.

LIV Golf, though, does not receive these points. The 54-hole circuit had applied for these points under the leadership of CEO Greg Norman. However, a couple of years ago, the then OWGR chairperson Peter Dawson expressed that “they’re just not playing in a format where they can be ranked equitably with the other 24 tours” and rejected their application.

LIV Golf does have a different format compared to the other tours. The biggest one is that a tournament lasts just 3 rounds instead of the regular 4 rounds. The league also does not have feature a cut in any of their events. The team format of the league has also been criticized heavily.

As the league does not receive any points, the rankings of their players are affected. These rankings are important for qualification in major championships.

Several LIV Golfers have raised an issue against this. At the moment, the only time they get OWGR points is from their appearance in the major events (due to some exemption they received earlier), from DP World Tour and the Asian Tour events.

In a statement released by OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman, the body will review the application and provide further updates as the review progresses.

The OWGR Board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications. LIV’s application will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR’s criteria to ensure fairness, integrity and consistency. We appreciate the interest of LIV Golf – and all Tours – in contributing to the global landscape of men’s professional golf through OWGR. Further updates will be provided as the review progresses.

Almost 2 months ago, reports emerged that LIV Golf and the OWGR were in advanced talks of awarding the rankings points to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) backed league. At the Masters Tournament, OWGR head Immelman was reported to have sat and chatted with new LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.

Golf fans react to LIV Golf applying for OWGR points again

The LIV Golf has once again decided to try its hand at OWGR points. The league, whose application was previously rejected, has reapplied for the rankings points and are now hoping for a positive response from the body.

Scott O'Neil, CEO of LIV Golf
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf (Image via Golf Digest)

The news of LIV Golf reapplying for this sparked mixed reaction among the golf fans online. While some were happy with the news and debated that they should get the points if events like the Hero World Challenge get the golfers some points, there were some who denied this. Several people once again took a swipe at the breakaway tour.

Check out some of fan reactions from X regarding this below:

This development from the league also comes at a time when several players are in the final year of their contracts. There have been rumors that some players are hesitant to re-sign with them. If their application for the OWGR points gets approved, it could be a big victory for the Saudi-backed tour.

LIV Golf issues statement regarding reapplying for the OWGR points

The LIV Golf has once again come under the spotlight. The 54-hole tour has applied to receive OWGR points once again and later issued a statement regarding this matter.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil (Image via Golf)

In the statement released by CEO Scott O’Neil, the league expressed confidence in their appeal and claimed that they had addressed the outstanding questions to support an accurate ranking system.

LIV Golf is committed to working together with the Official World Golf Ranking and its board to ensure the very best players are competing in the game’s most prestigious events. We are confident our application addresses the outstanding questions that exist to support a more global, all-encompassing, and accurate ranking system.

At the moment, the LIV Golf action is taking place in Spain in the form of LIV Golf Andalucia. Following this event at the Real Club Valderrama, the league will head to the United Kingdom for LIV Golf UK after the Open Championship next week at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

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