LIV Golf’s quest for recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) continues to stir debate within the golfing world, as the Saudi-backed league faces challenges regarding its format and participation.
Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has lured some of the sport’s biggest names away from the PGA Tour with lucrative offers funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Notable stars like Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and others have jumped ship to join the breakaway league, creating a seismic shift in the landscape of professional golf.
However, the absence of OWGR recognition has consequences for LIV Golf’s players, affecting their ability to climb the rankings and secure automatic qualification for prestigious tournaments, including the majors. This year, several prominent players, such as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood, face the prospect of missing out on major competitions due to their low rankings.
To address this issue, there have been discussions among LIV Golf’s players and officials about potentially transitioning from the current 54-hole format to the traditional 72-hole format commonly seen in major tournaments. Mickelson and Rahm have both expressed openness to this idea, citing the precedent set by other golf tours and the potential benefits for player rankings and competition quality.
However, Talor Gooch, a prominent figure within LIV Golf, has pushed back against the notion of adopting a 72-hole format. Gooch argues that the fixation on this specific number is arbitrary, questioning why it should not be extended to 90 or 108 holes. He contends that the focus should be on delivering excitement for fans, suggesting that the current 54-hole format provides a more thrilling experience for spectators.
Despite these debates, LIV Golf’s efforts to gain OWGR recognition have thus far been unsuccessful. The OWGR board, chaired by Peter Dawson, maintains that the decision is not political but rather technical, emphasizing the need for equitable ranking opportunities across various tours and players.
As LIV Golf prepares for its upcoming event in Singapore, the discussions around format, recognition, and the league’s future trajectory are likely to persist, shaping the landscape of professional golf for years to come.