LIV Golf Ranking Bid Stalls as OWGR Delays Decision into 2026
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) will conclude 2025 without a resolution regarding the application of the LIV Golf league for inclusion in the system, leaving the future of player eligibility for major championships in question.The delay comes despite LIV Golf submitting its application in late June, seeking to have its tournaments contribute to players’ world rankings alongside established tours globally.
The OWGR announced Wednesday that its board continues to evaluate LIV’s application,offering no timeline for a final determination. This ongoing assessment centers on the league’s structure and the path players take to compete within it. A key point of contention, as highlighted by a senior official two weeks prior, is that the majority of LIV golfers were invited to join rather then qualifying through traditional merit-based systems, a standard practise for the othre 24 tours currently recognized by the OWGR.
“We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission,which requires honoring the meritocracy woven into the professional game,” a statement released by the OWGR chairman,Trevor Immelman,read. “As such, discussions have been regular and remain ongoing. To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time.” Immelman further emphasized the OWGR’s dedication to a fair and consistent evaluation process.
The length of LIV Golf tournaments has also been a factor in the OWGR’s deliberations. While Immelman previously indicated that the initial 54-hole format wasn’t a primary obstacle, the OWGR has clarified its policy regarding shorter events. Tournaments played over 54 holes – or reduced to 54 holes due to inclement weather – will receive 75% of the original field rating and points distribution. Events shortened to 36 holes will be awarded only 50% of the original rating. This adjustment impacts not only LIV Golf, but also other tours, such as the Big Easy developmental tour in South Africa and the MENA Tour based in Dubai, which regularly schedule 54-hole competitions. The European Tour experienced similar reductions in points distribution at the South African Open and Singapore Classic earlier this year.
LIV Golf’s hope for OWGR inclusion is largely driven by the fact that all four major championships utilize the world rankings as part of their qualifying criteria. Without official ranking points, LIV players face a more challenging path to compete in these prestigious events.
LIV Golf is scheduled to begin its 2026 season on February 4 in Saudi Arabia, and will transition to a 72-hole format for all events, aligning with the standard length of most professional tournaments. The league is hopeful that this change, coupled with ongoing discussions, will strengthen its case for inclusion in the OWGR system.
The lack of a decision leaves a significant question mark hanging over the future of professional golf and the ongoing debate surrounding the evolving landscape of the sport.
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: The core issue is LIV Golf’s attempt to gain Official World Golf ranking (OWGR) points, which are crucial for players to qualify for major championships. The OWGR is hesitant due to concerns about LIV’s player recruitment process and tournament format.
Who: Key players include LIV Golf, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board led by Chairman Trevor Immelman, LIV Golf players seeking major championship eligibility, and the four major championship organizers who use the OWGR for qualifying.
What: The OWGR announced Wednesday it will delay a decision on LIV Golf’s application for inclusion in the ranking system until 2026. LIV applied
