Jon Rahm, a prominent Spanish golfer, has been a force to be reckoned with in the golfing world since his breakthrough win at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open. He quickly rose to the top of the Official World Golf Rankings, holding the coveted world No. 1 spot for a total of 52 weeks. However, Rahm’s recent move to LIV Golf, which does not qualify for OWGR points, has resulted in a decline in his rankings. According to OWGR expert Nosferatu, Rahm is on track to drop outside the top 50 in the world rankings, a position he hasn’t occupied since his memorable victory at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open.
DataGolf currently ranks Rahm as the no. 4 golfer in the world, behind Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, taking into account LIV events. Despite Rahm’s success on LIV with two wins last season and back-to-back top-10 finishes this season, his overall performance in major tournaments in 2024 was lackluster. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship, finished tied for 45th at the Masters, and was unable to compete in the U.S. Open due to an injury. However, Rahm did post a respectable T-7 finish at The Open and recorded three top-10 finishes on the DP World Tour in the fall.
Former LIV CEO Greg Norman made the decision to withdraw LIV’s application for OWGR points after it was initially rejected. Despite the setback, Rahm remains vocal about his belief that LIV players deserve OWGR points for their performances. He acknowledges the consequences of his choice to join LIV but emphasizes the importance of recognizing the credibility and talent of LIV players in major championships. While exemptions have been made for LIV by the USGA and R&A, it appears unlikely that OWGR points will be granted to LIV players in the near future. As a result, Rahm is faced with the challenge of improving his major performance to avoid further decline in the rankings.
Rahm expressed his frustrations with the current situation, stating that the exclusion of LIV players from receiving OWGR points is unfair and unjust. He believes that LIV players should have the opportunity to earn ranking points based on their performances, emphasizing the need for a resolution to this issue. Despite the obstacles he faces in the rankings due to his association with LIV, Rahm remains focused on his performance and is determined to deliver a stellar major season to reclaim his position among the top players in the world.
In conclusion, Jon Rahm’s career trajectory has been impacted by his move to LIV Golf and the subsequent exclusion of OWGR points for LIV events. While he faces challenges in maintaining his position in the rankings, Rahm is committed to improving his performance and proving his worth on the global stage. With a strong showing in upcoming major tournaments, Rahm has the opportunity to regain his former glory and solidify his status as one of the best golfers in the world. Despite the controversies surrounding LIV and OWGR points, Rahm remains resilient in his pursuit of excellence and is poised to make a comeback in the competitive world of professional golf.
