In a landmark decision that reshapes professional golf's competitive landscape, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) governing board has unanimously approved awarding world ranking points to LIV Golf events for the 2026 season. This marks the first time players on the controversial breakaway tour will be able to earn these crucial points, which are essential for qualification into major championships and other elite tournaments.
A Unanimous Decision After Years of Rejection
The OWGR's announcement comes after LIV Golf's initial application in 2022 was rejected in October 2023, with former chairman Peter Dawson stating the board could not fairly measure LIV against established tours. At that time, the tour's unique format—featuring 54-hole tournaments instead of the traditional 72 holes, along with team-based elements inspired by the Ryder Cup—posed significant hurdles. Although LIV has since switched to 72 holes for the 2026 season, this change was not the primary factor in the approval, as other smaller global tours also operate with 54-hole events.
Conditions and Limitations of the Approval
The OWGR's decision, while unanimous, comes with specific conditions. Ranking points will only be allocated to the top-10 finishers (and ties) in LIV Golf's individual stroke play events. This limitation acknowledges that LIV Golf still does not meet all the eligibility standards set by the OWGR. Currently, Tyrrell Hatton at No. 22 and Bryson DeChambeau at No. 33 are the only LIV players in the world's top 50 rankings, highlighting the tour's ongoing challenge in attracting top-tier talent consistently.
Background and Impact on the Golf World
LIV Golf, founded in 2022 by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund as a breakaway from the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour, has drawn big-name players like Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, and Dustin Johnson. However, this move created a significant rift with the PGA Tour, forcing players to resign their memberships. Earlier this year, notable figures such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed announced their intentions to leave LIV and seek reintegration into the PGA Tour, underscoring the tour's volatile player dynamics.
The OWGR's statement emphasised that this decision reflects "the changing landscape of the men's professional game" and followed an "exhaustive and collaborative process." This approval, announced on the eve of LIV's fifth season, represents a major boost for the tour, potentially enhancing its legitimacy and appeal to both players and fans. As the 2026 season approaches, this development could further blur the lines between traditional and emerging golf circuits, setting the stage for continued evolution in the sport.
