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After the announcement by the body in charge of the world rankings not to issue world points to LIV Golf tournaments, the dissident circuit reacted by explaining that it no longer fulfilled its role of ranking the best players in the world.
Bryson DeChambeau, statements
The decision not to award world points to LIV Golf tournaments immediately sparked reactions. Even if the OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) justified its refusal by explaining that the three-round format and the absence of accession or relegation tests were not compatible with the calculation system, the LIV Golf and its players feel wronged.
A position that the body understands since it admitted that there were flaws in the ranking given that “players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau are not included. » DJ, former world number 1, is now beyond the top 100 (121st), DeChambeau, fell to 132nd position this Tuesday and the legend of the Ryder Cup on the European side, Lee Westwood, also former number 1 in the hierarchy, only appears at 565th rank.
It also deprives the biggest tournaments of the best possible field of players.
LIV press release Following this announcement, LIV Golf released a statement to convey its position. The circuit financed by the PIF (the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia) is taking the blame and pointing out the flaws in the system.
“The sole purpose of the world rankings should be to rank the best players in the world. Today’s (yesterday’s) announcement makes it clear that it can no longer achieve this goal. Historically, players are subject to the world ranking to qualify for the Majors, the biggest events and to enhance their sponsorship contracts.
A ranking that does not fairly represent all participants, regardless of where they play golf in the world, deprives fans, players and all golf stakeholders of an objective and accurate basis for ranking golf performances.
best players in the world. This also deprives the biggest tournaments of the best possible field of players […] Professional golf no longer has a real rating and ranking system. » The only way for LIV players to glean world points therefore remains to stand out in the Majors, for those who still have access to these 4 events, and/or to play tournaments on the Asian Tour or the PGA of Australia.
Indeed, to date, no agreement allowing a return of “banned” players to the PGA Tour seems to be in the offing despite the merger project announced in June. For Bryson DeChambeau, this decision is contrary to the general interests as he declared on the Flushing It Twitter account.
“It’s sad, but it’s consistent with how things have been going in recent years. In my opinion, we should be given places (in the Major) based on how we are ranked on the LIV at the end of the season. »
Bryson DeChambeau’s reaction to the OWGR decision not to award LIV Golf ranking points:
“It’s unfortunate but on par with how things have gone the past few years.
To be frank, giving us spots based on how we finish during the season should be the answer. Top 12 would be a… — Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) October 10, 2023
