LIV Golf Criticises Rankings After Points Approval
LIV Golf has renewed its criticism of the sportβs world ranking system despite finally receiving Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, arguing that the current framework still fails to reflect the modern realities of professional golf.
The Saudi-backed tour confirmed this week that its events will now carry ranking points, a milestone that players and officials have sought since LIV Golfβs launch. While the decision represents a step toward wider recognition, LIV executives insist it does not resolve what they describe as long-standing structural bias within golfβs global governance.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough
For LIV Golf players, access to world ranking points has been a central issue. Without them, players struggled to qualify for major championships, regardless of performance or form. The new development offers some relief, allowing results from LIV events to count toward global standings for the first time.
However, LIV officials were quick to stress that the allocation model remains limited in scope. They argue that the points awarded do not adequately reflect the strength of fields, competitive depth, or format differences that define LIV tournaments.
βThis is recognition, not resolution,β one senior LIV source said, describing the change as progress that still falls short of fairness.
Why LIV Still Objects
At the heart of LIV Golfβs frustration is how the ranking system values tournament formats. Traditional tours operate under long-established structures, with 72-hole stroke-play events and large fields. LIVβs shorter, team-based format challenges those norms.
Ranking authorities have historically resisted adjusting formulas for alternative models. LIV argues that this approach protects legacy systems at the expense of innovation.
Officials claim the ranking system measures conformity rather than competitiveness. They believe elite players competing regularly against one another should not be penalised simply because events differ from tradition.
Impact on Playersβ Careers
For many LIV players, the ranking issue has had real consequences. Several high-profile golfers slipped down the rankings after joining the tour, limiting their access to majors and international team competitions.
While ranking points now offer a pathway back, progress may be slow. Players starting from lower positions will need consistent strong finishes to climb, particularly given the capped points available per event.
Some players have welcomed the change cautiously, describing it as βbetter than nothingβ but far from ideal. Others remain concerned that younger golfers considering LIV may still face career limitations.
A Wider Debate in Golf
The dispute highlights a broader tension within professional golf: tradition versus transformation. LIV Golfβs emergence has already reshaped prize money, scheduling, and player mobility across the sport.
Established tours argue that ranking systems must protect competitive integrity. LIV counters that refusing to adapt risks making rankings irrelevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Independent analysts note that other sports have successfully updated ranking methodologies to reflect new formats and competitions. They suggest golf faces a similar crossroads.
Relationship With Governing Bodies
The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and golfβs governing bodies over the sportβs future structure. While talks continue, disagreements over rankings reflect deeper issues around control and legitimacy.
LIV executives insist they are not seeking special treatment, only equal assessment. They argue that if rankings aim to measure performance, they must account for where top players actually compete.
So far, ranking authorities have remained cautious, emphasizing the need for consistency and transparency.
What Comes Next
LIV Golf says it will continue pushing for reform, using data from upcoming events to demonstrate competitive standards. Officials hope strong performances from LIV players in majors will further challenge assumptions.
For now, the tour views ranking points as a partial victory. Recognition, they say, confirms LIVβs place in elite golf, even if the fight for full equality continues.
As professional golf navigates an uncertain future, the ranking debate underscores a simple reality: the sport is changing, and its systems may need to change with it.
