LIV Golf is now reportedly in talks with the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to receive world ranking points for their events as per Sportico.
Following the launch of the breakaway league in 2022, LIV Golf applied for world ranking points in July 2022. This was just a month after the first event in London.
Unfortunately for Greg Norman – who was then the CEO of the Saudi-backed league – LIV’s request was officially denied by the OWGR in October 2023. Stating that there were several issues with their application.
Small fields and limited qualification processes were deemed as major issues with regards to receiving points.
Since then, however, LIV has increased the number of participants from 48 to 54. They also offered exemptions to international series events on the Asian Tour for high finishers in the league.
Last year, LIV officially responded to the OWGR by rescinding its application for points. The matter looked appeared to be done and dusted.
Just a year later, might things be ready to change for good?
Changes at the top could revive LIV Golf’s interest in world ranking points
Norman was replaced as CEO by former Merlin Entertainments head, Scott O’Neil, in January. Elsewhere, Peter Dawson was replaced at the OWGR by 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who took over the role as the new chairman.
These changes appear to have been the catalyst in a revival of both LIV and the OWGR working together. Indeed, both Immelman and O’Neil were spotted together at the recent Masters tournament.
This year, only 12 LIV players qualified for the Masters. This was down from 18 in 2023. Mainly due to many of the top names dropping down the world rankings after not receiving points.
Progress has been made. In February, the USGA announced an exemption category into the U.S. Open, stating that “the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19, 2025.” Will secure a berth at Oakmont.
This went to Joaquin Niemann after he won the Mexico City event last week. Later in February, the R&A subsequently offered a similar route into the Open later this year.
Talks between Trevor Immelman and Scott O’Neil are a positive thing
Certain things may have to change if LIV Golf are to be awarded world ranking points, that’s for sure.
Much has been made of the format, as a 54-hole event with no cut is hardly the best judge of performance, especially in limited fields.
Talks between O’Neil and Immelman could be the main focus over the next few months, indicating that a decision could be made sooner rather than later.
At the beginning of the year, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan claimed that they were “closer to a final deal” regarding the framework agreement that was signed in June 2023 between the PGA and LIV.
With things not developing on this front of late, it appears as though LIV Golf are focusing on their battle to secure world ranking points instead.
