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LIV Golf has run into some setbacks in its quest to position itself as a legitimate league, including its inability to be recognized by the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR)—which has now agreed to hand out points to another circuit with a 54-hole format.
The folks at LIV Golf would like you to believe it features some of the best golfers on the planet, and it’s hard to deny that’s the case. With that said, it’s become increasingly difficult for the organization to turn to the OWGR to support that argument after failing in its quest to have that governing body dole out the points that are awarded at PGA Tour events and major championships (among other sanctioned competitions).
LIV Golf spent more than a year lobbying the OWGR for recognition only to receive a letter last October rejecting its application to become the 25th tour to fall under its jurisdiction. While it continued to negotiate with the organization, Greg Norman eventually informed his players he’d decided to wave the white flag in March.
The OWGR took issue with LIV’s lack of relegation and comparatively low turnover while also expressing trepidation about its lack of cuts and the impact its team-based format could have on individual stats. Contrary to what you may believe, its 54-hole format wasn’t a make-or-break issue, but you have to imagine Norman and Co. are still frustrated by a recent development.
According to Golf Monthly, the OWGR has officially welcomed the Clutch Pro Tour—a 54-hole development league based in England that’s officially known as the “Mizuno Next Gen Series”—into the fold. Unlike LIV Golf, the circuit features a cut after 36 holes and also offers players the opportunity to graduate to the European Challenge Tour and DP World Tour based on their play.
It’s not too late for LIV Golf to rework its format if in an attempt to get back in the good graces of the OWGR, but as things currently stand, it doesn’t seem to be a top priority.