Amid LIV Golf’s ranking bid, the Official World Golf Ranking is reportedly set to meet on Wednesday, January 28. While the Saudi-backed circuit’s bid is not on the agenda, as per AP’s report, a decision on it might come as early as the end of the week.
Last year, LIV Golf reapplied for OWGR points after its first bid was rejected. Since then, the Saudi-backed circuit has undergone several overhauls, such as Greg Norman stepping down and being replaced by Scott O’Neil.
Besides, LIV also decided to move away from the 54-hole format to the traditional 72-hole. The breakaway league also introduced a Promotions event as an equivalent to a qualifying event.
Last month, OWGR chief Trevor Immelman shared an update on the current status and LIV’s switch to 72 holes.
“I guess they feel like they’re going to be evolving their league is going to be evolving,”he was quoted as saying via Golf Channel. “They’re going to be playing 72 holes, their fields are going to be growing, and so he gave us the heads-up on that.”
“For us, the board has really been working hard and has been super involved in checking out the application they put in back in June. We’ve been working really closely with LIV to make sure that we handle this in the appropriate fashion, with as much integrity as possible.”
He added that dialogue had been back and forth and in great spirits with O’Neil.
While many players have monetarily benefited from LIV, the lack of ranking points has hurt their chances of competing in majors. Speaking of current rankings, Tyrrell Hatton is ranked 21st and is the highest-ranked player from LIV Golf. Patrick Reed, who won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, is 29th, while Bryson DeChambeau, who only plays majors outside of LIV, is ranked 31st.
LIV Golf returns to Donald Trump-owned golf course
After much speculation, LIV Golf is set to return to a Donald Trump-owned golf course for yet another season. Recently, the Saudi-backed circuit announced that the Miami LIV Golf event will be played at Trump National Doral from May 7-10.
Additionally, LIV Golf New York will take place from August 6 to 9 at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. This will be the third time Bedminster will host the event, but the first since 2023.
Earlier, there were reports that LIV was moving away from Trump-owned courses after playing at least one event in each of the first four seasons. For the uninitiated, Trump National Doral is also making a comeback on the PGA Tour with the first-ever Cadillac Championship later this year.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, hockey, golf, baseball and more!
