LIV Golf has submitted a second formal application to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) as it continues its push for recognition and OWGR points. OWGR rejected LIV Golf’s first bid in October 2023, nearly two years before this new application, during Greg Norman’s tenure as CEO.
Keep Reading: LIV Golfers World Rankings Continue to Plummet
LIV Golf Confident in OWGR Application Success
This second attempt is part of LIV Golf’s ongoing effort to secure world ranking points for its players. Many of LIV’s top stars, including former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and major champions like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, have seen their rankings fall sharply without OWGR points. Johnson, for example, has dropped out of the top 900 despite winning several LIV events.
However, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has revealed that he is confident this LIV Golf application for OWGR points will be successful. O’Neil stated that the Saudi-backed league’s new application addresses all lingering questions about their eligibility for OWGR.
“We thank OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman for his continued leadership and willingness to move the sport of golf forward for the benefit of all players and most importantly, the fans. LIV Golf has committed to working with the Official World Golf Ranking and its board to ensure the very best players compete 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. We are hopeful the review and approval process can progress ahead of the 2026 major season,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said in a statement posted on X.
Will LIV Golf’s Application Get Over the Line This Time?
OWGR unanimously rejected LIV Golf’s first application. The board cited a number of concerns, such as LIV’s fixed player roster, the lack of promotion and relegation, and its 54-hole, no-cut format. The board also questioned how the team component of LIV events fits into the traditional structure of professional golf, which has always been based on individual competition.
So far, LIV has not confirmed any major changes to its tournament structure in its new application. The league continues to operate with a small field of 54 players and a format that combines individual and team competition. It remains unclear whether any adjustments have been proposed behind the scenes to meet OWGR standards.
OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman acknowledged the receipt of the new application and confirmed that the board is currently reviewing it. “The OWGR Board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications, and LIV’s application will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR’s criteria to ensure fairness, integrity and consistency,” OWGR chairman, Trevor Immelman said in a statement. “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.”
The next OWGR board meeting will take place during The Open Championship at Royal Portrush later this month. However, the OWGR board has not guaranteed it will make a decision at that time.
Main Photo Credit: © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
