In a significant development for the Saudi-funded circuit, LIV Golf has been handed a major boost in its long-running quest to secure Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for its events. This encouraging news comes just days after the tour was rocked by the high-profile departure of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka.
A Crucial Step Forward for LIV's Legitimacy
Trevor Immelman, the chairman of the OWGR and 2008 Masters winner, provided an optimistic update on LIV's application. He confirmed that discussions have been regular and that progress has been made, though a final decision is still pending. The OWGR's governing board has been evaluating the application since the end of June 2025.
"We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission, which requires honouring the meritocracy woven into the professional game," stated the South African. "To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time. We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve."
Koepka's Exit and the Major Qualification Problem
The push for ranking points is critical for LIV because its players, lacking them, have struggled to qualify for golf's four major championships unless they hold a prior exemption. This issue is seen as a key obstacle in attracting new talent.
The urgency of the situation was underscored just before Christmas, on 23 December 2025, when American star Brooks Koepka announced he would not honour the final year of his LIV contract in 2026. Koepka, one of the tour's founding marquee signings in 2022 and one of only two LIV players to win a major, could now face a ban before a potential return to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.
Format Changes and Contract Negotiations
In a notable shift, LIV has confirmed its events will be played over 72 holes in 2026, moving away from the original 54-hole format that inspired its name (LIV being 54 in Roman numerals). Coincidentally, the OWGR has announced it will adjust its points allocation for shorter tournaments, with 54-hole events receiving 75% of the points.
Amidst this backdrop, other stars are weighing their futures. Bryson DeChambeau, the other major winner on LIV, is currently negotiating a contract extension. He hinted that Koepka's departure strengthens his position, stating, "With Brooks leaving, it definitely throws in some unique things... Things have got to change. Things have got to improve."
Furthermore, the tour's leadership has changed, with Scott O'Neil replacing the founding CEO and figurehead, Greg Norman, last year. The new LIV season is set to begin in Riyadh in February 2026.
While a merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour appears no closer, this progress on world ranking points represents a vital step for the breakaway league as it seeks to solidify its place in the professional golf ecosystem following a high-profile defection.
