LIV Golf League Aims for Inclusion in Official World Golf Ranking: Everything You Need to Know

The LIV Golf League is once again seeking recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, nearly two years after its last attempt was met with rejection. This ongoing quest represents a significant ambition for the league, which is backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and aims to establish itself as a competitive force in professional golf.

On July 11, 2025, the OWGR board confirmed this development through a statement on social media. Chairman Trevor Immelman indicated that the review process for LIV’s application has already commenced. This renewed effort signifies LIV Golf’s commitment to becoming an integral part of the global golf landscape, underscoring the evolution of professional golf circuits.

In their official announcement, the OWGR stated, “The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) received an application from LIV Golf seeking inclusion in the OWGR system on June 30, 2025, and the review process has commenced.” The board emphasized its commitment to a comprehensive evaluation of all applications. This highlights the rigorous criteria that every golf tour must meet to ensure fairness and integrity within the ranking system.

LIV Golf’s journey to gain OWGR status began shortly after its launch in the summer of 2022. Its initial request was denied primarily due to concerns regarding the league’s format and insufficient performance-based metrics. The OWGR’s criteria are stringent, and the board has underscored the necessity for all tours, including LIV, to meet these standards to ensure a competitive and fair ranking system.

In a bid to address past issues, LIV Golf formed a strategic alliance with the MENA Tour—a developmental tour aimed at fostering golf in the Middle East and North Africa. This move was part of a larger strategy to enhance the league’s credibility and meet the OWGR’s guidelines while also gaining support from its players. Nearly all full-time LIV players signed a letter to the former OWGR chairman, Peter Dawson, advocating for their inclusion in the ranking system.

Despite these efforts, the OWGR maintained a stance of reluctance regarding LIV’s eligibility. Dawson had noted a willingness to reconsider in the future, suggesting an openness to adapt the criteria if it aligns with the evolving landscape of professional golf. He expressed that clarity and fairness in ranking procedures need to be upheld, which ultimately impacts how players are ranked and acknowledged.

Amidst ongoing discussions, LIV Golf expanded its relegation system in 2023 and launched its inaugural LIV Golf Promotions event. These changes were aimed at providing a more competitive environment, similar to traditional golf tours. However, despite these enhancements, former OWGR chair Dawson emphasized the lingering concerns about LIV’s competitive format and player participation metrics.

In a candid interview with Global Golf Post, Dawson remarked, “If LIV could find a way to come up with a more open competition style and relegation, we would certainly consider that.” This comment reflects a potential pathway for LIV Golf, illustrating that meeting technical and competitive standards could open doors for future collaboration between the league and the OWGR.

After the unsuccessful attempts to gain OWGR recognition, Greg Norman, the then-CEO of LIV, expressed his frustrations in a letter to players. He felt that the OWGR had not shown the willingness to work with LIV to address the shortcomings of the current ranking system. In his communication, he stressed the importance of having a fair and accurate ranking system that recognizes the achievements of LIV players within the competitive landscape of professional golf.

As the dynamics within both LIV Golf and the OWGR evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders and fans alike to stay updated on the developments concerning LIV Golf’s application. With Norman now having stepped away from his CEO role, new leadership under Scott O’Neil could signal a shift in approach, influencing how LIV Golf navigates its relationship with the OWGR moving forward.

In summary, the LIV Golf League’s ongoing quest for inclusion in the OWGR represents a significant chapter in the evolving narrative of professional golf. The decision will not only impact LIV Golf’s standing but could ultimately redefine competitive dynamics within the sport. As the review process unfolds, golf enthusiasts and players alike await further developments that could reshape the future of the sport.