Jon Rahm Says OWGR System is ‘Not Fair’ to LIV Golfers

Jon Rahm is speaking out against the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), stating that it is unfair to golfers who are playing on LIV and not the PGA TOUR.

The OWGR currently ranks golfers by points, and players on the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR of Australasia, and the Sunshine Tour, are eligible to gain points.

LIV is not on this list because their tournaments do not qualify under OWGR standards, mostly because of the 54-hole format. The other tours play 72-hole tournaments.

Jon Rahm said it’s “wrong” that LIV golfer’s don’t receive world ranking points.

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However, the lack of points given to LIV players can impact their ability to qualify for Majors and the Ryder Cup. 

Some players believe LIV not being included in the OWGR is representative of the corrupt system in professional golf, Jon Rahm being one of them.

Rahm said:

“[LIV] told me early on, I think even before I signed in the early conversations, that they were not going to pursue those discussions to the same level because they knew where it was directed. I think at this point to not give LIV World Ranking points and the credibility it deserves, I think is wrong…”

The only opportunity for LIV Golfers to earn points toward the OWGR is when they play in Major Championships, which they have to have won to qualify for, or qualify for future events through placings. For example, The Masters invites the Top 12 and any ties to next year’s event.

Rahm went on to say that he understands his decision to go to LIV from the PGA TOUR would have consequences, but this seems to ruin the integrity of the ranking:

“Listen, I understand we’ve all made a decision and it’s not as easy as it sounds but to say that LIV players don’t deserve some spots in major championships I think is wrong and I hope that evolves into what it should be, right. There should be a way for us to qualify. And the World Ranking points, need to figure something out because it’s not fair for anybody in that sense.”

To be fair, there should be a way for all golfers to gain points and qualify for a ranking list based on playing ability.

Cover Image via CNN