Two-time major winner Jon Rahm has criticised the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) ruling that limits ranking points at LIV Golf events to only the top 10 finishers, saying the system “doesn’t seem fair”.
The decision marks the first time LIV Golf players will receive OWGR points but applies conditions not used on any other recognised men’s tour.
OWGR confirms limited ranking points for LIV events
Earlier this week, the OWGR board announced that LIV Golf would finally be included in the world rankings system.
However, only the top 10 finishers in LIV’s 57-man fields will earn points, unlike all other OWGR-recognised tours where players making the cut receive ranking points.
OWGR said the restriction reflects areas where LIV Golf does not meet eligibility standards.
Rahm welcomes recognition but questions fairness
Speaking at LIV Golf’s season opener in Riyadh, Rahm said the decision was a step forward but criticised the unequal treatment.
“It’s fantastic that we’re being recognised in a way,” Rahm said. “With that said, I don’t like how we’re not being treated the same as every other tour.”
He added, “It doesn’t seem fair. The small fields out there throughout the course of the year, their players get full points.”
‘Finishing 11th is basically a missed cut’
Rahm warned the structure could actually hurt some players’ rankings.
“Finishing 11th is basically a missed cut,” he said. “Some players could lose world ranking points instead of gaining them.”
He also pointed out that LIV players still contribute to the rankings divisor, increasing the difficulty of moving up without regular top-10 finishes.
OWGR outlines eligibility concerns
In its explanation, OWGR cited several factors behind the restrictions, including:
- Average field size of 57, below the 75-player minimum
- No-cut events
- Restricted qualification pathways
- Player recruitment rather than open merit-based entry
LIV calls decision ‘unprecedented’
LIV Golf has labelled the ruling “unprecedented”, arguing that no other OWGR-recognised tour treats players finishing outside a specific position the same as last place.
The league also pointed to events such as the Hero World Challenge, Tour Championship, BMW Championship, and DP World Tour Championship, all of which feature smaller fields and no cuts but award points to all players.
Detry and Uihlein lead after opening round in Riyadh
On the course, Thomas Detry made an impressive LIV debut, sharing the lead with Peter Uihlein after a bogey-free seven-under-par 65.
Detry admitted to early nerves but said he settled quickly in his first appearance for 4Aces GC.
Rahm and Hatton in contention as LIV adopts 72-hole format
Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton sit tied for fourth at five under par, two shots off the lead, while Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia are four under.
The tournament also marks LIV Golf’s switch from a 54-hole format to 72 holes, another step toward aligning with traditional tours.
