LIV Golf commissioner changes tune on OWGR decision: "We're so grateful"

LIV Golf commissioner Scott O'Neil appeared to soften his stance on the global rankings body’s decision to limit points to the top 10 finishers in each event

The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) said on 3 February that players competing on the breakaway tour would start receiving points for the first time since its inauguration in 2022. 

But LIV hit out at what they described was an "unprecedented" decision despite the "long-overdue moment of recognition". 

They said under the ruling players finishing 11th in a LIV Golf event are treated exactly the same as a player finishing last. 

The OWGR said it was restricting points to the top 10 as there were a number of areas where LIV still failed to meet the existing criteria. 

O'Neil said during LIV's stop in Riyadh that he hoped the decision was just the first step. 

But speaking in a news conference during LIV Golf's stop in Adelaide, O'Neil appeared to soften his stance. 

And went on the charm offensive, describing OWGR chairman, former Masters champion Trevor Immelan, as "a wonderful leader". 

"We're so grateful to be welcomed into the golf family officially," said O'Neil. 

"That's first and foremost. It's very nice, especially you have a board with two - the commissioner of the PGA Tour (Jay Monahan) is on the board and the CEO of the European Tour (Guy Kinnings) is on the board. 

"Arguably those are two that would have a bit to lose if you have a scarcity mindset, if you will, by our being recognized publicly.

"So to be able to get to that point, what a tremendous nod to what LIV Golf has built, is building, and where it's heading in the future.

They're led by Trevor Immelman, the chairman, a former Masters champion, South African great, their favourite son.

"He's been a wonderful leader and champion in the face of quite a bit of difficulty and scrutiny, and I think he's done an extraordinary job in pulling the board together.

"For us, though, world ranking points, we're a nice recognition and a great step forward, and our focus is on making sure that as many of these young talented players that we have and these established superstars and these kind of solid-core veterans get the opportunity to play on the world's biggest stage, and that's the four majors."

Asked whether he would "push for a better deal" with the OWGR next season, O'Neil said kept his cards close to his chest. 

"I've learned over time that sometimes the best negotiations are behind the scenes and not in front of the cameras," he added. 

"So we're just at this point just publicly really grateful for where we are."

Australia's Elvis Smylie won the first OWGR-accredited LIV Golf event. 

The 23-year-old, making his first start, claimed a one-shot victory over Spain's Jon Rahm. 

Smylie's victory saw him jump from 134th to 77th in the standings. 

Rahm, a former world number one, also moved up 30 places. 

America's Peter Uihlein, who appeared to be the only LIV player happy with the OWGR's decision, jumped from 199th to 154th.