Westwood Calls Ranking System a ‘Mockery’ Over LIV Golf Controversy

LIV Golf players, including Bryson DeChambeau (ranked 16th) and Tyrrell Hatton (ranked 21st), face increasing challenges in qualifying for major championships due to their current standing in the Official world Golf Ranking (OWGR). Lee Westwood, a prominent LIV player, believes that the current situation, where LIV players are not earning OWGR points, will force the four major championships to re-evaluate their qualification criteria.

Westwood argues that the majors should include the best players in the world, nonetheless of their tour affiliation. He suggests two potential solutions: LIV Golf achieving OWGR status or the major championships establishing separate qualification pathways for LIV players. Westwood expressed a preference for a unified ranking system, stating, “You want it all to be based off the same system.”

Westwood also highlighted flaws he perceived in the OWGR system even before joining LIV. He pointed to instances of players substantially improving their ranking with limited play, citing Jon Rahm’s pre-LIV experiences as an example. Westwood advocates for a system that prioritizes key playing metrics, suggesting that “strokes gained” rankings better reflect a player’s current form. He criticized the two-year ranking period, noting that it can unduly penalize players for brief slumps.

Without OWGR points, LIV players are expected to continue their decline in the rankings, making it progressively harder for them to secure spots in major tournaments. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has expressed optimism that OWGR approval coudl be obtained before the 2026 major season.

Tyrrell Hatton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the desire of many LIV players to compete in majors. He stated, “There’s a lot of guys out here that you certainly want to be playing in majors. If there’s a better pathway for that for us, then that’s brilliant.” Hatton believes that current world rankings do not accurately represent the caliber of golfers on the LIV tour and that a more realistic OWGR system would benefit the sport as a whole.

How does the OWGR’s criteria for ranking events impact LIV Golf players’ ability to qualify for major championships?

The Core of the Dispute: Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and LIV Golf

Lee Westwood, a veteran of professional golf and a prominent figure in the LIV Golf series, has publicly lambasted the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system, labeling it a “mockery” due to its continued exclusion of LIV Golf events from consideration. This ongoing dispute centers around the validity of the OWGR as a true measure of player performance, particularly for those competing outside the traditional PGA Tour and DP World Tour ecosystems. The Official World Golf Ranking is crucial for qualifying for major championships and other prestigious tournaments.

Why LIV Golf Players Aren’t Receiving Ranking Points

The OWGR’s resistance to incorporating LIV Golf events stems from several key factors:

Limited Field Sizes: LIV Golf tournaments typically feature a smaller field of 48 players compared to the larger fields common on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. The OWGR prioritizes events with broader participation.

No Cut: LIV Golf events do not have a cut, meaning all players are guaranteed to play all rounds. The OWGR believes a cut adds to the competitive rigor and accurately reflects player performance.

tournament Format: LIV Golf’s team component and shotgun starts differ substantially from the standard stroke-play format favored by the OWGR.

Submission Process: LIV Golf’s application to be included in the OWGR has faced scrutiny and delays, with the OWGR board requesting further information and modifications to meet its criteria.

Westwood’s Strong Criticism and Player Impact

Westwood’s recent comments, echoed by other LIV Golf players, highlight the frustration surrounding the lack of OWGR points. He argues that the current system unfairly disadvantages LIV golfers, impacting their ability to qualify for major championships like The Masters, The Open Championship, and the U.S. Open.

Here’s a breakdown of the impact on players:

1. Major Championship Qualification: Without OWGR points, LIV golfers rely heavily on exemptions based on past performance or special invitations to compete in majors.
2. Tournament Invitations: A low OWGR ranking can limit invitations to other critically important tournaments around the world.
3. Sponsorship Opportunities: Ranking influences a player’s marketability and potential for securing sponsorships.
4. Perceived Legitimacy: The lack of ranking points fuels the narrative that LIV Golf is not a legitimate competitive tour.

The OWGR’s response and Stance

The OWGR maintains its position, stating that its criteria are designed to ensure the ranking accurately reflects global golf performance. Thay have repeatedly emphasized that LIV Golf must meet specific requirements to be considered for inclusion. In a statement released earlier this year, the OWGR board said, “The current structure of LIV Golf, including its limited field size and no-cut format, does not align with the principles of the OWGR.”

The Implications for the Future of Golf Rankings

This controversy raises essential questions about the future of golf rankings and the evolving landscape of the sport.

Potential for a New Ranking System: Some have suggested the creation of an alternative ranking system specifically for LIV Golf or a more inclusive system that incorporates all professional tours.

Negotiations and Compromise: The possibility of negotiations between LIV Golf and the OWGR to find a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties remains open.

Impact on Player Movement: The situation could influence future player decisions regarding which tour to join, weighing the benefits of financial security with the importance of maintaining a high OWGR ranking.

The Role of the Majors: The major championships will ultimately decide how they handle LIV Golf players’ eligibility, potentially creating a separate qualification pathway.

Case Study: Joaquin Niemann and the 2024 Masters

joaquin Niemann’s situation exemplifies the challenges faced by LIV Golf players. Despite a strong performance in the 2023 season, Niemann had to rely on a special invitation to compete in the 2024 Masters Tournament due to his lack of OWGR points. He finished T-15, demonstrating his competitive ability despite the ranking limitations. This case