LIV Golf Condemns 2026 World Rankings for Limiting Points to Top 10

LIV Golf has issued a strong condemnation of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) committee’s decision to limit ranking points to only the top 10 finishers at their events for 2026. Although this ruling marks the first time LIV Golf will receive OWGR points since its inception in 2022, the organization criticized the limitations imposed on player rankings.

LIV Golf’s Response to OWGR Decision

The announcement from the OWGR board came on a Tuesday and revealed that points would only be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties in each LIV Golf event. LIV Golf stated that this ruling is “unprecedented” and highlighted the inequities it introduces into the ranking system. The organization expressed concern that this decision disproportionately affects high-performing players who may finish just outside the top ten.

Key Criticisms from LIV Golf

• LIV Golf argued that limiting points to only the top 10 finishers undermines the achievements of talented players.
• The organization emphasized that a truly fair ranking system should recognize all players based on their performance, not arbitrary cut-offs.
• LIV Golf noted that no other competitive tour has faced such restrictions in OWGR history.

Details of the OWGR Decision

According to OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman, the decision to categorize LIV Golf at par with “Small Field Tournaments” stemmed from concerns over eligibility standards. The OWGR reported that the average number of participants at LIV events falls significantly short of the minimum requirement of 75 established in their criteria.

Other factors taken into consideration included:

• Absence of a cut at LIV events.
• Limited pathways for players to qualify for the tour, which do not adhere to traditional meritocratic principles.

Future Evaluations and Changes in Format

Effective immediately, the new ruling comes into play as the LIV Golf season kicks off on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. The OWGR has committed to continually assess LIV Golf’s eligibility for ranking points as the series develops further.

LIV Golf remains optimistic about its future and stated that it will advocate for a ranking system that values performance over affiliations. The organization seeks transparency and fairness in the ranking protocols to benefit players and fans alike.

Background on LIV Golf

LIV Golf launched in 2022 and has since faced scrutiny regarding its structure and player qualifications. The contrast between LIV Golf’s model and traditional tours such as the PGA Tour has been a subject of debate within the golfing community. Earlier in October 2023, the OWGR had denied LIV Golf’s first application for ranking points.

The PGA Tour has expressed respect for the OWGR’s decision and acknowledged the significant effort that chairman Immelman has devoted to this complex issue.