LIV Golf Withdraws Application for Official World Golf Ranking Accreditation

In a recent development, LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman has informed players that the breakaway league has decided to abandon its pursuit of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) accreditation. According to a report by Sports Illustrated, LIV has formally withdrawn its application for points within the OWGR system, citing the system’s failure to acknowledge the achievements of players on the Saudi-backed circuit.

The journey toward OWGR recognition began in July 2022 when LIV submitted its application, only to face formal rejection in October of the following year. OWGR chairman Peter Dawson emphasized at the time that there was no hostility towards LIV but highlighted the absence of player pathways to participate in LIV tournaments.

Despite hopes expressed by Dawson for a resolution and potential sanctioning by the OWGR board, Norman has now declared a complete disengagement from the existing ranking system. In a letter obtained by SI, Norman asserted, “A resolution which protects the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the OWGR rankings no longer exists.”

Norman is now advocating for an independent ranking system separate from the OWGR and is also pushing for major championships to allocate a quota to the LIV series, providing pathways into these prestigious tournaments.

One of the primary grievances voiced by Norman is the perceived bias of the OWGR system towards players on the PGA Tour. He pointed out that only four players within the top 50 rankings are not PGA Tour regulars, highlighting a systemic imbalance that penalizes players outside of this circuit.

The absence of access to OWGR points has led to a significant decline in rankings for many LIV golfers. Notable players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau have experienced substantial drops in their rankings since joining LIV, reflecting the impact of the league’s exclusion from the OWGR system.

The most recent decision to deny LIV ranking points was made by representatives of the four major championships. This decision was attributed to concerns about LIV’s closed-field format, which limits opportunities for broader participation and fair comparison with other tours.

In response to criticisms, Dawson clarified that the decision was purely technical rather than political, emphasizing the need for equitable measurement against other sanctioned tours worldwide.

As the standoff between LIV Golf and the established golfing authorities continues, the debate over ranking systems and tour structures in professional golf shows no signs of abating.