Former Masters champ denies LIV Golf report: "That's really where we are"

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman has denied reports LIV Golf are in advanced talks to secure world ranking points. 

Immelman succeeded Peter Dawson as the chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking three weeks ago. 

Sportico reported earlier in the week that Immelman met with LIV Golf's chief executive Scott O'Neil at The Masters.

And the publication claimed the breakaway tour was on the verge of securing points following 'serious discussions'. 

Immelman has now confirmed he met with O'Neil at Augusta National but emphatically denied an announcement is on the horizon. 

"The ball is in their court," he told AP's Doug Ferguson. 

"They have not put any application in. Whether that happens or not, I guess time will tell.

"I have enjoyed getting to know Scott O'Neil over the last few months.

"We've spoken on the phone a couple of times. We met in person at the Masters, just really introduction stuff. 

"We're in the same position we have been without any application from their side. The ball is in their court."

LIV Golf launched in 2022 and poached several high-profile golfers from the PGA Tour. 

The PIF-backed league lodged their application for OWGR accreditation shortly before the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews. 

In October 2023, the OWGR rejected their bid. LIV withdrew its application a few months later. 

A furious Greg Norman, then the chief executive, penned a letter to LIV's players and declared the OWGR had shown 'little willingness' to engage. 

O'Neil replaced Norman at the helm in January and placed on record his desire to work with the governing bodies of the four major championships to get more LIV players in the fields. 

The USGA and R&A have since announced exemptions for the leading LIV player into this year's U.S. Open at Oakmont and Open at Royal Portrush. 

Immelman said he had no further meetings planned with O'Neil. 

And he confirmed that until LIV make some changes to their format the OWGR is unlikely to change its position.

"But until a new application is put in, there's nothing really we can do about it," he said.  

"If the LIV Golf League is wanting to be part of the OWGR, then they need to go ahead and put another application in. 

"That's really where we are."

LIV are currently in Korea for the seventh stop of the 2025 season.