The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf tour has criticised the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board for imposing what it describes as an 'unprecedented' restriction on ranking points, despite finally being granted points after nearly four years.
Under the new system, announced on Tuesday, only players finishing in the top 10 at LIV events will receive world ranking points. LIV responded with a statement arguing that 'a player finishing 11th in a LIV Golf event is treated the same as a player finishing 57th', and that no other tour has faced such a limitation.
The OWGR board justified its decision by pointing to LIV's failure to meet eligibility standards, including an average field size of 57 (below the minimum of 75), no-cut events, and restrictive entry pathways. It also noted that players are often recruited rather than earning their place, and that recent team changes based on nationality undermine meritocracy.
Since LIV's inception in 2022, players such as Cameron Smith (now 221st), Sergio García (363rd) and Dustin Johnson (662nd) have tumbled down the rankings due to the lack of points. Meanwhile, LIV's 2026 season begins against a backdrop of departures, with Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed both returning to the PGA Tour.
