How far have LIV golfers tumbled down the OWGR?

LIV Golf begins its 2024 season without Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

One of the biggest problems facing Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed league in its third season is the continued failure to be recognised by the OWGR board.

Many of LIV’s most high-profile signings have plummeted down the rankings since joining the enterprise, with scarce opportunity to claim points throughout a season.

In October 2023, LIV had its latest application for world ranking status rejected, with OWGR chairman Peter Dawson citing concerns with the league’s format.

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Dawson explained that the decision to deny LIV ranking points was not “political”, explaining that the league must make a series of modifications to be considered for points.

Since then, however, LIV’s players have continued to fall outside the rankings, with some now unable to compete in majors.

The top 50 players in the world rankings are guaranteed access to all four of the career defining tournaments, but those who have joined LIV in the off-season have accepted that there is a risk they will now miss them.

Talor Gooch became LIV’s individual champion in 2023, but due to his low ranking, is not eligible for any major for the 2024 season.

Jon Rahm is eligible for the majors for the next five seasons as the current Masters champion, while Brooks Koepka was one of the few players who has managed to remain inside the top 50 due to his strong performances in majors.

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Here is a list of notable names, with OWGR before their first LIV event compared to now…

LIV players OWGR before LIV vs now

Cameron Smith 2 – 32

Dustin Johnson 13 – 202

Jon Rahm 3 – 3

Tyrrell Hatton 16 – 16

Joaquin Niemann 19 – 66

Brooks Koepka 19 – 22

Louis Oosthuizen 21 – 134

Abraham Ancer 22 – 154

Paul Casey 31 – 580

Bryson DeChambeau 31 – 166

Talor Gooch 35 – 373

Patrick Reed 39 – 94

Adrian Meronk 42 – 42

Sergio Garcia 57 – 555

Phil Mickelson 72 – 136

Lee Westwood 78 – 776

Bubba Watson 86 – 1145

Ian Poulter 92 – 409

Henrik Stenson 173 – 245

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.