LIV Golf seeking new ways to gain major exemptions

Almost a year from its disruptive breakthrough, LIV Golf chiefs are plotting new plans to ensure players on the Saudi-backed circuit can compete at major championships.

According to The Times, LIV leaders believe OWGR points have lost ‘credibility’ and ‘accuracy’, as the tour aims to create its own exemption category.

The Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) don’t currently offer ranking points to LIV events, so Greg Norman’s tour remains in pursuit of finding a solution to the ranking conundrum.

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LIV Golf has been in contact with Peter Dawson, the rankings board chairman, amid claims the points are not essential.

An unnamed LIV executive said: “We’re not sure if having OWGR points is the most representative way for players to be ranked. They’ve lost a lot of credibility and a huge amount of accuracy.

“There is more pressure on the OWGR to sort it out for their own credibility than for us, but if the majors want the best fields, there is a limited period where they can use OWGR as an exemption category.”

An alleged route is one like the top 30 in the Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup qualifying for the majors.

Directors of the rebel league believe that is a fair answer to the problem, given the LIV representation at recent majors, and the success of its players.

The executive said: “It would seem fair if the top 15 from our rankings get into the majors. About a third of our field has competed at the majors this year.

“A lot are exempt already, but I think that would solve a lot of problems for OWGR and the majors, as well as being valuable for LIV. Our players are justifying their places and proving our events are
good enough.”

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The OWGR has asked for clarification from LIV regarding its application, with two key concerns raised.

The team competitions ‘integrity’ has been challenged, while the player pathways and relegation system have also been questioned.

The tour’s $20 million purse events have stirred up the golfing landscape, while the stock of players who have contested the 15 events so far continues to rise.

Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith have both won major championships in the last year, while a strong contingent is expected to compete again at next month’s US Open.

The fourth major of the year will take place at Los Angeles Country Club between June 15-18.

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 Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.