Jon Rahm makes his case for LIV Golf to have world ranking points: "Whether you like it or not"

Jon Rahm says the assertion LIV Golf is an exhibition is 'false' as he made his case for the breakaway tour to have world ranking points. 

The PIF-backed leagued renewed their bid to be recognised by the sport's global ranking body last week. 

LIV initially applied for OWGR accreditation in July 2022, days before the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews. 

The OWGR rejected their application in October 2023, stating there were issues with the league's format and limited-access to the tour. 

LIV withdrew their bid last March and a furious Greg Norman, then the chief executive, penned a letter to LIV players explaining he believed the OWGR had shown 'little willingness to productively work with us.'

Norman's replacement, Scott O'Neil, said last week he was confident LIV's latest bid will succeed. 

It is still unclear what, if any, changes have been proposed. 

Rahm told reporters in Valderrama after being pipped the title at LIV Golf Andalucia by Talor Gooch that LIV deserves points. 

"How many? I don't know," he said. 

"The excuse, or argument, that many use is that this is an exhibition. To me, that's false.

"And, whether you like it or not, whether it has a cut or not, whether it has three or four rounds or not, it's good competition and it deserves world ranking points.

"I hope it happens. I hope it doesn't take too long because I think there are good players here.

"There are good young players here who deserve the opportunity to qualify for the majors.

"Let's hope it's the beginning of more LIV players qualifying for the majors directly based on their performance in LIV in the future.

"I believe we have a high enough level of golf. And a high enough level of competition to earn world ranking points."

The OWGR board will convene at this week's Open at Royal Portrush, according to Sports Illustrated, although that is an annual meeting. 

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman succeeded Peter Dawson as the chairman of the OWGR after he retired. 

LIV initially started with a roster of 48 players and 12 teams. 

When Rahm joined the league in December 2023 for a reported £450m/$566.4m, the league added a 13th team and two wild cards. 

World ranking points are seen as critical for professional golfers to qualify for the four major championships. 

The R&A and USGA, which runs The Open and U.S. Open, announced a new exemption category for LIV players in February. 

This exemption was in addition to existing qualification pathways.