Jon Rahm Voices Displeasure Over LIV Golf Ranking Points Restrictions
Professional golfer Jon Rahm has expressed significant frustration with the recent decision by the Official World Golf Rankings regarding the allocation of points for LIV Golf events. The OWGR has ruled that only the top ten finishers in LIV tournaments will receive world ranking points, a restriction that Rahm has labelled as fundamentally unfair.
Official World Golf Rankings Imposes Conditions on LIV
The Official World Golf Rankings finally approved LIV Golf's submission for ranking points after a five-year wait since the tour's establishment. However, this approval came with notable conditions, primarily due to LIV's non-traditional format and its typically smaller, less competitive fields. The governing body determined that points would be awarded solely to players finishing within the top ten positions at each event.
While the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf league acknowledged this as a "long overdue moment of recognition," it simultaneously voiced disappointment at the limitations imposed. The tour has called for a more transparent and equitable system that reflects player performance rather than their tour affiliation.
Rahm's Critique of Unequal Treatment
Speaking at LIV Golf's season opener in Riyadh, two-time major champion Jon Rahm shared his conflicted feelings. He admitted to being pleased that LIV players are "being recognised in a way," but he strongly criticised what he perceives as discriminatory treatment.
"I don't like how we're not being treated the same as every other tour," Rahm stated emphatically. "It seems like the rules that have been in place don't really apply to us, with only 10 of us getting points. It doesn't seem fair. The small fields out there throughout the course of the year, their players get full points."
The Spanish golfer elaborated on the practical consequences of this policy, noting that it could paradoxically cause some LIV players to lose world ranking points. He explained that finishing 11th in a LIV event is effectively treated like a missed cut in traditional tournaments, yet it still counts against a player's ranking divisor.
Significance of World Ranking Points for Major Qualifications
The acquisition of OWGR points is critically important for LIV Golf players because these rankings are a primary pathway to qualifying for golf's four annual major championships. The world rankings operate on a two-year rolling system, with greater emphasis placed on more recent performances.
Despite his criticisms, Rahm acknowledged a positive step forward. "I'm thankful that LIV Golf got their foot in the door, and there's a possibility for us to walk in the room and be recognised as a tour, as we should be," he remarked. However, he firmly believes that considerable work remains to achieve a truly fair and balanced system for all professional golfers, regardless of which tour they compete on.
