LIV Golf, the high-profile tournament backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, had its application for recognition rejected by the OWGR board in 2023.
The reason is that this tournament system goes against the traditional standards of professional golf: events are played only 54 holes instead of 72, there is no cut, and the 48-player roster is almost fixed throughout the season. Those differences make LIV Golf considered uncompetitive and unfair in ranking the real ability of the athletes.
In March last year, LIV Golf officially withdrew its application for recognition of its ranking points, seemingly ending its ambition to enter the global ranking system. However, on June 30, OWGR confirmed that it had received a new application from LIV Golf and officially started the review process from the beginning.
“The OWGR Board is committed to conducting a thorough review of all applications for recognition,” emphasized OWGR Board Chairman Trevor Immelman.
“LIV Golf’s application will be assessed against a full range of existing criteria, with the goal of ensuring fairness, integrity and consistency in the professional golf ranking system,” said Trevor Immelman. “We appreciate the interest of LIV Golf, as well as all other tour systems, in contributing to the global landscape of professional men’s golf through the OWGR. We will update the review process as more information becomes available.”
Being counted as OWGR points is of great significance to the top golfers competing for LIV Golf, as their world ranking is the deciding factor in their chances of qualifying for the four prestigious major tournaments each year: The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and The Open. Without ranking points, the door to the big tournaments is virtually closed, regardless of reputation or past achievements.
The current situation is clear, LIV stars are plummeting in the rankings. Typically, Dustin Johnson, once the world number one, has now dropped to 957th OWGR.
However, LIV Golf is determined to make a comeback this time. CEO Scott O'Neil shared that the organization has reviewed the entire process, updated its records, and actively engaged with OWGR to find common ground.
“LIV Golf is committed to working closely with the OWGR and its board to ensure the world’s best golfers can compete at the highest levels,” said O’Neil. “We believe this submission addresses any lingering questions. It is a step towards a more comprehensive, accurate and truly reflective ranking system at a global scale.”
This return of LIV Golf could be a decisive turning point for the long-term future of this young but financially strong tournament system, a battle not only on the field but also in the corridors of global golf institutions.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/liv-golf-no-luc-xin-tinh-diem-tren-bang-xep-hang-the-gioi-post1759887.tpo
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