LIV Golf earns OWGR World Rankings points amid ‘changing landscape’

LIV Golf players will be awarded world ranking points through 2026 following a new decision by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board.

However, players may still be unhappy because points will only be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties in the field of 57 players.

On all other men’s professional golf tours that are part of the OWGR, all players who reach the score earn points.

The OWGR board said in a statement that it awards the points “in an effort to reflect the changing landscape of the men’s professional game.”

However, it added that the scores were limited to the top 10 because it “recognizes that there are a number of areas where LIV Golf does not meet the eligibility criteria set by the OWGR.”

The winner of this week’s LIV golf season opening event is expected to receive 23.03 OWGR points, which is similar to the DP World European Tour events (25).

The winner of this week’s PGA Tour event – the WM Phoenix Open – is expected to receive 59 points.

The winner of the PGA Tour’s signature event receives 66 points, while season-ending FedEx Cup qualifying events that have reduced fields and no cuts — similar to the LIV — will see 37 points awarded to the winner.

OWGR points are important for players because they are crucial to qualifying for the four annual majors.

In recent weeks, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed have been two of the biggest stars to leave the LIV in favor of returning to the PGA Tour.

More to follow.