EXCLUSIVE: LIV Golf stars get massive OWGR lifeline with world ranking alternative offered

Asian Tour chief executive Cho Minn Thant has extended an invitation to players from LIV Golf to earn points in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) through the Asian circuit. This comes in light of LIV Golf’s ongoing struggle to gain OWGR recognition, a hurdle that has seen many of their top players fall in the rankings.

**LIV Golf’s Struggles with OWGR Recognition**

Since its inception two years ago, LIV Golf has rapidly attracted some of the world’s best golfers. However, their inability to secure OWGR recognition has had significant repercussions. Major players like Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, and Talor Gooch have seen their rankings drop, impacting their eligibility for major tournaments, including the Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Greg Norman, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, announced earlier this year that they had ceased efforts to gain OWGR accreditation, criticizing the ranking system for favoring PGA Tour participants. This ongoing issue continues to challenge LIV Golf players, particularly regarding their participation in major tournaments.

**Cho Minn Thant’s Proposal**

In response to this predicament, Cho Minn Thant has offered the Asian Tour as an alternative for LIV players to earn OWGR points. Speaking to Mirror Sport at Royal Troon, Cho stated, “If LIV is not going to be recognised or they’ve withdrawn their application there is still a way in for them by playing our tournaments.”

He highlighted that many LIV players have already been participating in Asian Tour events to maintain their rankings. Players like Patrick Reed, Joaquin Niemann, David Puig, Carlos Ortiz, Pat Perez, and Louis Oosthuizen have turned to the Asian circuit to boost their OWGR standings and enhance their chances of qualifying for major tournaments.

**Success Stories and Opportunities**

One notable success story is Spanish golfer David Puig, who secured a spot in this week’s Open by winning the Malaysian Open in February. The Asian Tour’s alignment with LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) since 2022 has significantly benefited the tour, particularly through the International Series.

The International Series has expanded the Asian Tour’s global presence and provided crucial OWGR opportunities for players. The yearly Order of Merit winner from the International Series is granted a spot in the LIV Golf league for the following season, offering an additional pathway for players to advance their careers.

**Looking Ahead**

Cho Minn Thant emphasized the positive impact of the International Series on the Asian Tour, stating, “It has obviously elevated the Asian Tour leaps and bounds. We had 10 events last year, and 10 events this year. The plan is to keep 10 events on the International Series for the foreseeable future.”

The next event in the International Series will take place in the UK next month at Foxhills Golf Club in Surrey, providing further opportunities for LIV players to earn OWGR points and advance their professional standing.

In conclusion, while LIV Golf continues to face challenges in gaining OWGR recognition, the Asian Tour presents a viable alternative for its players to maintain and improve their rankings. This collaboration underscores the evolving dynamics in the world of professional golf and the strategic alliances shaping its future.