Ranking body to look at LIV talent turnover
ORLANDO—Trevor Immelman said recently he is in constant contact with the CEO of LIV Golf in his role as chair of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), as the board tries to work through issues that include how the Saudi-funded circuit populates its 54-man league.
LIV Golf has not received world ranking points since it was launched in June 2022, and only six of its players are among the top 100 in the world from points earned in majors or events on the Asian Tour or DP World Tour.
New season opens in Riyadh
LIV’s first application to be part of the OWGR system was rejected in October 2023. It filed a new application last summer under Scott O’Neil, the CEO hired to replace Greg Norman.
Immelman, the former Masters champion who is now a CBS golf analyst, took over as OWGR chair in April. He said he speaks regularly with O’Neil and even texted with him during his pro-am on Friday at the PNC Championship.
“We’ve been all working hard together, trying to get answers, trying to figure out what they want to do,” Immelman said. “They’re trying to figure out how their league is going to be evolving. They’ve decided to go to 72 holes. They’re going to be growing their field a little bit, it appears, from what I’ve been told, and could possibly want to grow even further.
“It’s a very collaborative process right now between Scott and I and our board to figure it out.”
LIV Golf’s next season starts Feb. 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When asked if a decision could be reached before then, Immelman replied, “I think there’s a chance.”
LIV started with 54-hole events with no cuts and decided to go to 72 holes for the 2026 season. Immelman said how many holes are played has never been a big issue.
Instead, he pointed toward how the 24 tours that are part of the OWGR operate, leaning into the concept of meritocracy.
LIV Golf finally had some notable turnover this year, with 49-year-old Henrik Stenson among six players who finished out of the top 48 and were relegated out of the league.
