Have OWGR started opening the door to LIV golfers?

25/12/2023 19:39

The PGA Tour’s signature events will be impacted by revisions to the point system revealed by the Official World Golf Ranking – which might have a positive impact on LIV Golfer’s Major chances.

The two changes will take effect on January 1, 2024, according to the announcement made by the Official World Golf Ranking on December 21.

A “new points distribution curve” will be implemented as the first modification, giving higher points to the top finishers in events with 80 competitors or less on OWGR-accredited tours.

Players who finish in the bottom 15% of fields this big without a cut will no longer receive ranking points.

The PGA Tour’s signature events, which often have fields of 70–80 players, will be impacted by this shift.

Massive prize sums are offered in the signature events. They were developed in opposition to the competing LIV Golf League.

Additionally, a few of the PGA Tour’s signature events won’t have a cut, a decision that has divided players and fans alike.

In 2024, a 36-hole cut format will be retained only by the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and Memorial.

A’multi-win package’ will be introduced as the second modification the regulatory body revealed in their late December announcement.

This will provide: “A 60 percent bonus to players who win for a second time within a 52-week period on any eligible Tour; a 70 percent bonus is awarded to players who win three or more times. Any points bonus is capped at a total of four points.”

As a result of the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, the topic of ranking points in men’s professional golf has become highly discussed.

The rival league submitted an application for OWGR certification in July of last year, but it was formally turned down in October.

LIV players are finding it difficult to get spots in golf’s major events without ranking points.

A lot of golfers and fans have said that the ranking system is no longer relevant. The LIV players, according to some, are reaping what they sowed.

Some golf enthusiasts have already suggested the recently announced alterations indicate “the door is opening to LIV.”

“Based on extensive analysis following the changes implemented in August 2022, we recognised these two opportunities to further enhance the OWGR and to accurately evaluate performances of the world's participating players on all eligible Tours,” said OWGR chairman Peter Dawson.

“Adjustments to the Ranking are made after careful consideration, and we are confident that today’s updates will better position the OWGR for the future.”

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