ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour secures Rolex World Ranking recognition

The Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings (WWGR) has announced changes to its ranking calculation methodology, with updates set to take effect from 5 January 2026. 

The revisions, approved following a standard review by the WWGR Board, are designed to expand the number of players included in the rankings, particularly those competing on tours with lower strength of field (SOF).

Under the new system, all players who make the cut in a WWGR-sanctioned event with a cut will earn world ranking points, regardless of the event’s strength of field. 

Previously, the number of players receiving points was determined by the SOF.

In addition, each event’s strength of field will now carry its own unique points distribution. 

The rankings will move to a more linear model, replacing the existing tiered structure in which events shared points distributions within defined SOF ranges.

The WWGR also confirmed the addition of the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour (WAPT) to the list of recognised tours from 2026. 

The ANNIKA WAPT becomes the 13th tour included in the rankings and the first new addition since the Thai LPGA was admitted in 2023.

The tour will begin awarding world ranking points at the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority Championship in Lake Charles, Louisiana, scheduled for April 8–11, 2026. Established in 2019, the ANNIKA WAPT staged 12 tournaments in 2025 and will expand to 13 events in 2026.

The ANNIKA WAPT serves as a key development pathway to the Epson Tour, with the top two finishers each week earning exemptions into selected Epson Tour events. 

Season-long performers also benefit, with leading players on the Order of Merit receiving exemptions into the Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series.

Graduates of the ANNIKA WAPT and Epson Tour pathway have already made an impact at the highest level, including LPGA Tour winners Grace Kim, Bailey Tardy and Miranda Wang.