LIV Golf Players to Receive Official World Golf Ranking Points in 2026, Boosting Pathways to Majors
The governing board of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has announced that LIV Golf players will start earning OWGR points starting with the 2026 season. This move significantly enhances their chances of securing exemptions into major championships and other elite events.
Under the new system, only the top 10 finishers in individual stroke-play events at LIV Golf tournaments will receive points, with no redistribution beyond 10th place. The decision acknowledges that LIV Golf's smaller fields, 'no-cut' formats, and limited access to top players have historically fallen short of OWGR's eligibility standards.
Golf Digest reports that OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman described the process as "incredibly complex and challenging," but ultimately successful in finding a solution that allows for both ranking the world's top players and maintaining fairness for other tours with established merit-based pathways. By awarding points to LIV Golf events, the OWGR aims to create more direct routes into the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship, where these rankings play a crucial role in securing exemptions.
For full-time LIV Golf players, this ruling offers an attractive alternative to relying solely on past major victories or special invitations. With access to regular ranking points, they can improve their positions without having to wait for limited opportunities to arise. This should strengthen the tour's ability to attract and retain top talent, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole.
The PGA Tour has expressed respect for the OWGR's decision, acknowledging the time and effort invested by Chairman Immelman and his board in navigating this complex process. As LIV Golf continues to grow, its players can now look forward to more opportunities to compete at the highest level, thanks to the recognition of their performances on the world stage.
The governing board of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has announced that LIV Golf players will start earning OWGR points starting with the 2026 season. This move significantly enhances their chances of securing exemptions into major championships and other elite events.
Under the new system, only the top 10 finishers in individual stroke-play events at LIV Golf tournaments will receive points, with no redistribution beyond 10th place. The decision acknowledges that LIV Golf's smaller fields, 'no-cut' formats, and limited access to top players have historically fallen short of OWGR's eligibility standards.
Golf Digest reports that OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman described the process as "incredibly complex and challenging," but ultimately successful in finding a solution that allows for both ranking the world's top players and maintaining fairness for other tours with established merit-based pathways. By awarding points to LIV Golf events, the OWGR aims to create more direct routes into the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship, where these rankings play a crucial role in securing exemptions.
For full-time LIV Golf players, this ruling offers an attractive alternative to relying solely on past major victories or special invitations. With access to regular ranking points, they can improve their positions without having to wait for limited opportunities to arise. This should strengthen the tour's ability to attract and retain top talent, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole.
The PGA Tour has expressed respect for the OWGR's decision, acknowledging the time and effort invested by Chairman Immelman and his board in navigating this complex process. As LIV Golf continues to grow, its players can now look forward to more opportunities to compete at the highest level, thanks to the recognition of their performances on the world stage.