LIV Golf tour hits out at decision to only award ranking points to top-10 finishers

LIV Golf Tour Sees Ranking Point Award as Victory Over 'Victimization'

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour is hailing a recent decision by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board to award ranking points to players who finish in the top 10 of their events, but some are questioning the timing and fairness of this gesture.

LIV golfers have been waiting nearly four years for recognition from the OWGR system, which has seen many prominent golfers plummet down the rankings due to lack of participation. The decision marks a significant shift for LIV Golf, as it had previously been excluded from the ranking system due to concerns over its eligibility standards and structure.

However, critics argue that this decision is more of a victory for LIV itself than a genuine recognition of meritocracy. By limiting points only to top-10 finishers, the OWGR has unfairly penalized players who consistently perform at high levels but fall just outside that threshold, as well as emerging talent trying to establish themselves in the sport.

"Limited points to only the top 10 finishers disproportionately harms players who consistently perform at a high level but finish just outside that threshold," LIV Golf stated in a response to the OWGR decision. "No other competitive tour or league in OWGR history has been subjected to such a restriction."

LIV Golf is taking aim at the OWGR, arguing that this decision sets a precedent for further reforms and that they will continue to advocate for a ranking system that reflects performance over affiliation.

The news comes amidst some turmoil on the LIV Golf front, as several high-profile players have announced their departure from the tour in recent days. Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed are set to return to the PGA Tour, while the 2026 season begins with a troubled backdrop.

As the OWGR continues to evaluate LIV Golf's competitive status, it remains to be seen whether this decision marks the beginning of a more equitable ranking system or simply another milestone in the tour's ongoing struggle for recognition.

omg what a mess liv golf is trying so hard to get in with owgr but honestly it feels like they're just trolling us i mean who benefits from this "merit-based" ranking system? the tour itself, that's who limited points for top 10 finishers = more cash for liv, less for other players it's not about recognition of skill or performance, it's about lining their pockets

I'm not sure I buy this whole "victory over victimization" thing... like, yeah, LIV Golf got some points back, but at what cost? They're basically implying that the OWGR is being unfair to them and now they're going to create a new system that's more favorable. But isn't that just a Band-Aid solution? I mean, if the tour really wanted recognition, why not try to be more inclusive from the start? Instead of trying to manipulate the system now.

And what about the players who are leaving? Are they really doing it because LIV Golf is more competitive, or is it because they're just looking for a better deal? I think we should focus on the fact that there's some pretty big-name talent jumping ship rather than getting too caught up in this "meritocracy" debate. It all feels like a PR stunt to me

So like, I'm reading this article about LIV Golf Tour and they're all hyped about OWGR giving them ranking points now... but honestly it's kinda weird timing, right? They've been trying to get legit recognition for ages, and now that they got it, several players are leaving the tour... what's up with that?

Okay, so stats time! LIV Golf has gained 3.4 million followers in the last year alone . Meanwhile, OWGR ranking points awarded have increased by 25% since their decision to recognize LIV Golf events .

On a side note, have you seen the prize money for LIV Golf events? It's significantly higher than PGA Tour events... like, up to $20 million per tournament! This is definitely an advantage for top players who join LIV Golf.

Let's look at some more stats: 64% of LIV Golf players have a combined career earnings of over $10 million . That's impressive, but also raises questions about the exclusivity and elitism of the tour.

I'm not sure what to think about this whole thing... it feels like LIV Golf is just trying to one-up OWGR at every turn . What do you guys think? Should OWGR be more transparent with their ranking system decisions?

I gotta say, I'm kinda torn about this whole thing . On one hand, I get why LIV Golf is hyping up this new rule - it's a big win for them and they're finally getting some legit recognition from the OWGR . But on the other hand, I think it's also super unfair to all those players who have been grinding away on the course but just can't quite break through into that top 10 . Like, what about all the hard work and dedication they've put in? It feels like this new system is more about LIV Golf trying to pad their own resume rather than actually promoting fairness and meritocracy .

And don't even get me started on the timing - it's just so convenient for them that it feels kinda smarmy . Like, are they really so desperate for validation that they're going to milk this decision for all it's worth? I guess what I'm saying is, while this new rule might be a big deal for LIV Golf, I think we need to keep an eye on how it affects the players and whether it ultimately leads to a more level playing field or just another way for them to feel like they're getting screwed over .

I think its pretty obvious that this is a PR win for LIV golf not really about meritocracy. I mean whats the point of awarding points only to top 10 finishers? Its like saying we know our best players are the ones who finish first, last place guys r just filler. And what about all the other tours that do it differently? Shouldn't they be able to set their own rules? This feels like LIV is trying to spin this as some kinda victory but honestly its just gonna look bad when others start calling them out for favoring only their best players

I'm still trying to wrap my head around LIV Golf's latest move . On one hand, I get why they're hailing this as a victory - it's about time they got some recognition from the OWGR, right? But at the same time, I think it's pretty shady how they're framing this as some kind of 'meritocracy' win. Like, come on guys, you've been trying to poach top talent for years and now you're acting like you're doing everyone a solid by giving them ranking points .

And what about all the other players who consistently perform at high levels but don't get rewarded for it? It's not exactly a level playing field if only the top 10 finishers are getting those points. I'm curious to see how this plays out - will it lead to some kind of reform or just more of the same old drama

I think its pretty shady that they get these ranking points now after 4 years, feels like a PR stunt, . Thinks LIV Golf is trying too hard to be seen as legit, you know? And what about all those players who have been with them from the start? They're still struggling to get recognition, while some of the newbies are getting points for just showing up . Not sure this decision is gonna change much or if it's just a bunch of hype...

This is a weird move by the OWGR, feels like they're trying to legitimize LIV Golf's existence but also kinda giving them an easy way out . Limiting points only to top-10 finishers is gonna hurt some talented players who don't get that lucky break. It's like they're creating a tier system and saying "you're good enough if you finish 1-10, but not so much". What about the guys who consistently play great golf and just can't catch a break? It feels like LIV Golf is using this decision to try and prove their worth, but it's still gonna be a long shot until they get some real recognition .

This move by the OWGR feels like a calculated PR stunt to legitimize LIV Golf's existence rather than a genuine attempt at promoting fairness and meritocracy. By only awarding points to top-10 finishers, they're essentially creating a tiered system that penalizes players for not meeting an arbitrary threshold . It's also curious timing, coming amidst the turmoil on LIV Golf, which makes one wonder if this decision is more about saving face than addressing legitimate concerns .

so i'm thinking, like, what's the point of awarding points to just the top 10 finishers? that seems kinda unfair to me doesn't it feel like liv golf is trying to prove a point or something? like, they're all "hey we're good too" but it's not really about being competitive it's more about getting recognized and what about those players who are just on the bubble? will they ever get any recognition? it feels like the owgr is just trying to keep liv golf in check, but is that really fair to all the other players out there?

I mean, it's all about how you look at it, right? On one hand, it's cool that LIV Golf is finally getting some recognition from the OWGR. Those guys have been waiting a long time and it's not fair that they've been left out for so long. But on the other hand, I can see why some people might be like "wait a minute, this doesn't seem very fair to everyone". I mean, what about all those players who consistently do well but just don't get top 10 finishes? Does it really feel like they're being rewarded for their hard work if they're not getting points?

I feel like this is gonna set off a firestorm . I mean, on one hand, its good that LIV Golf is getting some recognition from the OWGR, but on the other hand, awarding points to top 10 finishers seems kinda arbitrary . What about all the other talented players who consistently perform well, but just can't quite break through? It feels like they're being penalized for trying . And now that Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed are leaving, I'm worried it's gonna be a really tough season ahead . Do you guys think LIV Golf is actually trying to reform the ranking system or just milking this for all it's worth?

I'm not sure if the OWGR is just trying to get some goodwill points with LIV Golf by awarding them these points . I mean, come on, it's been four years since they've been part of the ranking system and now they're getting a major leg up? That seems like a pretty generous "gift" to me . Meanwhile, all those other golfers who are still waiting for their recognition are just going to have to wait even longer... I don't think this is about recognizing meritocracy at all – it's more about LIV Golf trying to save face after all the drama that's been going down on the tour lately .

I'm literally fuming right now about this decision by the OWGR. I mean, come on! They're basically saying that if you're good enough to finish top 10, but not good enough to make it into the top 5, then your efforts are just completely invalidated . It's like they're giving LIV Golf a get out of jail free card and rubbing it in everyone else's face .

And don't even get me started on how this is going to affect emerging talent trying to break into the sport. They're literally being held back by a system that's more concerned with protecting the interests of established players than actually promoting competition . It's just so frustrating and unfair . Can we please just have a ranking system that rewards performance over affiliation? Is that too much to ask?!

I think this is super awkward lol, like what happened to these guys who are always top 5 but not good enough to get those points ? I mean I get it LIV Golf is trying to be all legit and stuff, but isn't this just gonna make more drama than necessary? And btw what's with the timing? Can't wait to see how this all plays out in 2026

I don't think it's cool that they're trying to spin this as a victory over "victimization" when really it just feels like the OWGR is playing their game by giving them limited points. It's not fair to all the other players who are grinding away and performing well, but just missing out on the top 10. I mean, if you consistently finish in the top 5 or 6, shouldn't that count for something too?

OMG, I'm like totally confused about this decision ! The OWGR is basically saying that only top 10 finishers get points, but what about all the other talented players who are crushing it in their events? It's not fair to them at all . And can we talk about how LIV Golf is just trying to win this thing and not really care about the integrity of the game? Not cool, guys .

I mean, I get that they've been waiting for a long time to get recognized, but this feels like a huge favor to them rather than a genuine attempt to make things fair . And what's with all the drama around their players leaving and stuff? It's just golf, guys! Can't we all just get along?

I'm not sure if this decision is going to bring about any real change or just more of the same old thing . But one thing's for sure – I'll be keeping a close eye on how it all plays out . Maybe they'll surprise us and actually make things fair ?

I gotta say, this new ruling from the OWGR is pretty sketchy . I mean, LIV Golf has been playing hardball with these golfers and now they're just like "oh, we'll give you points if you finish top 10"? It doesn't seem right . What about all the other players who are killing it but not getting recognition? I don't think this is a genuine attempt at meritocracy, more like LIV Golf flexing their muscles . The fact that they're limiting points to just top 10 finishers seems like a total snooze fest . Can't the OWGR give out points based on actual performance instead of just because it's trendy?

OMG, can't believe they're giving points only to top 10 finishers... it feels like they're just trying to make LIV look better ‍ meanwhile, what about all those other talented players who are stuck on the sidelines? It's so not fair and I'm curious to see how this decision affects the overall rankings... will it really lead to a more equitable system or is it just another PR stunt