LIV Golf hits back at OWGR with statement after being shunned ranking points
LIV Golf issues frustrated statement after OWGR tells them they won't be getting any world ranking points.
LIV Golf has hit back after being shunned Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points today by claiming the ranking system "no longer delivers on its objective of ranking the best players across the globe".
The Saudi-bankrolled circuit has been once again hung out to dry where OWGR points are concerned as a result of its shortened format and lack of promotion or relegation.
The OWGR did, however, admit there are faults in the system given "players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau are not included."
Only that does little to soften the blow where the LIV Golf League is concerned right now.
As things stand, only two LIV Golf players sit inside the world's top 50, both of whom have won major championships in recent years.
Former Open champion Cameron Smith is currently ranked 16th in the world, while five-time major champion Brooks Koepka is 18th, despite winning his third PGA in 2023.
With the majority of LIV Golf players only taking part in major championships outside of the LIV schedule, there have been some truly staggering slides down the ladder.
Former World No.1 Dustin Johnson is now positioned 121st, while Lee Westwood has dropped as far back as 565th.
The story will only get even worse, and continue to cause a headache for players where major eligibility is concerned.
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As it stands, LIV Golf League players remain suspended by the PGA Tour, and it remains to be seen how things will play out over on the DP World Tour in terms of players being allowed back on the circuit.
A number of European Ryder Cup legends such as Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia decided to tear up their DP World Tour cards in 2023.
The only way LIV Golf players can currently acquire OWGR points is in the four majors of the season, as well as in tournaments outside of the PGA Tour such as on the Asian Tour and PGA of Australia.
In light of being shunned OWGR points following today's announcement, LIV Golf has issued a strongly-worded statement, which you can read in full below.
LIV Golf believes the current OWGR system now "fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play."
The circuit also considers the OWGR "robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances."
LIV Golf has written in a statement:
"Players have historically remained subject to a single world ranking to qualify for Major Championships, the biggest events, and for corporate sponsor contract value. A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf’s stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world’s best player performances. It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible.
"Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system. There is no benefit for fans or players from the lack of trust or clarity as long as the best player performances are not recognized.
"LIV will continue to strive to level set the market so fans, broadcasters, and sponsors have the assurance of an independent and objective ranking system and the pure enjoyment of watching the best golf in the world."
DeChambeau, who shot the first ever 58 on LIV Golf this season, told Flushing It:
What do you make of the OWGR's decision to fully shut LIV Golf out of world ranking points? Share your comments on the GolfMagic social media channels.
