Scott O’Neil, the new chief executive of LIV Golf, is actively advocating for the circuit’s inclusion in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). This push follows LIV Golf’s significant format changes aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and legitimacy within professional golf.
LIV Golf has applied for OWGR membership twice, with its initial application submitted by former CEO Greg Norman in 2022, which was denied. The recent shift to a different format, moving away from its previous 54-hole, no-cut structure, aligns with O’Neil’s goal of providing more opportunities for its players. Inclusion in the OWGR would enable LIV players to earn ranking points, increasing their chances of qualifying for major tournaments.
O’Neil’s Optimism for Future Inclusion
O’Neil, who took over from Norman at the beginning of 2025, believes that the dialogue with the OWGR is progressing positively. In an interview with BBC Sport NI, he stated, “We are working very closely with [chairman] Trevor Immelman and the board of OWGR. It’s likely that it will have an impact at some point.” He expressed hope for a resolution that would allow LIV Golf to participate in the rankings by the next season.
Immelman, a former Masters champion, has reassured stakeholders that the OWGR Board is conducting a thorough evaluation of LIV’s application. He emphasized, “The OWGR Board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications, and LIV’s application will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR’s criteria to ensure fairness, integrity and consistency.”
Past Challenges and Future Prospects
The initial rejection of LIV’s application stemmed from concerns regarding its competitive format, as articulated by former OWGR chairman Peter Dawson. Dawson remarked on the challenges of ranking players from LIV due to their unique structure, stating, “LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked. They’re just not playing in a format where they can be ranked equitably with the other 24 tours and thousands of players trying to compete on them.”
Currently, LIV Golf’s top players, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, can only accumulate OWGR points through participation in major championships or international tour events. The ability to earn ranking points is critical for players seeking invitations to major tournaments, which would help to integrate LIV Golf into the broader professional golf landscape.
O’Neil affirmed that his organization is committed to making golf more inclusive and accessible, stating, “Whatever we have to do to get more people invested in this great game, we’ll do it.” As discussions between LIV Golf and the OWGR continue, the outcome remains pivotal for the future of LIV Golf and its players.
