Ranking points to be awarded at LIV events for first time
Saudi-backed tour attacks ‘unprecedented restriction’
The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf Tour has hit out at what it regards as victimisation from those presiding over the sport’s world rankings process, despite seeing their wait of nearly four years for recognition by the system finally end.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that those competing in LIV tournaments will receive official world golf ranking points but only when finishing in the top 10. A statement from the OWGR board said this “recognises there are a number of areas where LIV Golf does not meet the eligibility standards set out”.
Since LIV competition started in 2022, the OWGR has not given any reward to those performing in that domain. This has led to previously prominent golfers tumbling down the rankings; Cameron Smith is now 221st, Sergio García 363rd and Dustin Johnson 662nd. Not happy with an apparent victory of sorts, LIV took aim at the OWGR with a statement of its own: “We acknowledge this long overdue moment of recognition, which affirms the fundamental principle that performance on the course should matter, regardless of where the competition takes place.
