LIV Golf abandons bid for world ranking points

LIV Golf has formally withdrawn its application for players to receive world ranking points from its tournaments, according to a letter sent to the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's membership on Tuesday by commissioner and CEO Greg Norman.

LIV Golf first applied for recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking, which determines entry into golf's four majors, in July 2022, but was denied in October.

"We have made enormous efforts to fight for you and to ensure your accomplishments are recognized within the existing ranking system," Norman wrote in the letter.

"Unfortunately, the OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us."

The OWGR unanimously rejected LIV Golf's application last October, stating that the circuit's 54-hole, no-cut events for 48 players were an issue, but one that could be managed through an "appropriate mathematical formula."

Norman stated that the rankings were designed to penalize anyone who has not played regularly on an "Eligible Tour," with the field ratings disproportionately rewarding play on the PGA Tour.

He also advocated for an independent ranking system that recognizes how the game is "expanding and modernizing," and stated that he will continue to do everything he can to ensure LIV Golf players are represented in the majors.

"Golf fans deserve to see the best players in the world play in the best tournaments. That has always been our goal," said Norman.

"We continue to seek meaningful communication and relationship with each of the majors to ensure that LIV golfers are fairly represented and golf fans around the world have opportunities to see the best competition possible."

There are currently four LIV players in the top 50 of the world rankings: Masters champion Jon Rahm (3), Tyrrell Hatton (17), Brooks Koepka (30), and Cam Smith (50).

Joaquin Niemann of LIV accepted a special invitation to compete in the Masters last month, following a strong run of form that included victories at the DP World Tour's Australian Open in December and LIV Golf's season opener at Mayakoba last month.

LIV Golf's season will resume this week at Hong Kong Golf Club.

SportsLigue