LIV’s Cameron Smith Criticizes Ranking Drop, Demands Respect for Players
Recent developments in the LIV Golf league have sparked substantial discussion within the golfing community. Notably, players have recently seen significant changes in their Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) standings. Following the first LIV Golf event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, players like Elvis Smylie and Jon Rahm experienced impressive ranking improvements.
Cameron Smith’s Critique of Ranking System
Aussie golfer Cameron Smith voiced his concerns regarding his drop in the world rankings after joining LIV Golf. Once ranked No. 2 globally after winning the 2022 Open Championship, Smith now finds himself at No. 227, following a lackluster performance in Riyadh where he tied for 13th.
Smith emphasized the need for greater respect for LIV players, stating, “It’s so hard out here. I don’t think we get the respect of the golfing world that maybe we deserve.” He described the initial OWGR inclusion as a “work in progress,” expressing optimism about future improvements.
Notable Ranking Changes in LIV Golf
Several players saw notable ranking jumps after the Riyadh event:
- Elvis Smylie: Moved from 133rd to 77th
- Jon Rahm: Climbed from 97th to 67th
- Sebastian Munoz: Advanced from 767th to 566th
- Abraham Ancer: Improved from 616th to 449th
- Thomas Pieters: Increased from 564th to 419th
Despite these advancements, issues remain regarding the fairness of the OWGR system. Many players, including Sergio Garcia, caution against drawing premature conclusions about the impact of earning points, particularly for those finishing outside the top 10.
The Future of LIV Golf Rankings
Sergio Garcia remarked on the potential setbacks for players finishing lower than 10th, noting that they accumulate events without gaining ranking points. He stated, “It can hurt a lot,” highlighting the ongoing challenges facing LIV players in the OWGR system.
For young players like Smylie, a surge into the top 50 would open doors to major tournaments, making the upcoming event in Adelaide critical for his aspirations of competing in the Masters. Smylie expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “That’s a conversation that I can start to have.”
Future Changes and Player Sentiment
In a bid to improve their standings, LIV Golf plans to expand events from 54 to 72 holes by 2026. This decision has received mixed reactions from players, including Bryson DeChambeau, who questioned the change. However, others like Talor Gooch remain optimistic, believing the additional holes could enhance competition.
- Gooch stated, “We have 14 great opportunities.”
- He expressed confidence in LIV’s growing acceptance within the golfing ecosystem.
The sentiment among LIV players seems cautiously optimistic, as many believe that progress is being made in gaining recognition and respect in the wider golfing community.
