Is it time for a new, globally recognized men's professional golf ranking system?
As we approach the third Major of the 2025 season, the US Open at Oakmont this week, it seems the perfect time to reflect on how much the golfing landscape has changed since the inaugural LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club near London in 2021,
With LIV Golf attracting high-profile players and a bigger global schedule, the PGA Tour has made several adjustments - most notably by increasing prize purses and introducing other innovations.
As a result, the influence of LIV Golfers in the global golf conversation cannot be underestimated.
Take Joaquin Niemann, for example, winner of last week's LIV Golf event in Virginia, marking his fourth victory of the 2025 season. Despite being ranked just 79th in the current Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), many industry observers view him as a legitimate top 10, if not top 5, player in the world.
This disparity presents an ongoing challenge for the golf authorities: to acknowledge this evolving reality and adapt accordingly - or risk becoming outdated.
It's a puzzle that will only grow more complex with time.
Let's not forget: this time last year, Bryson DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open, his second career victory in the championship. What impact did that have on the narrative surrounding LIV Golf and its standing relative to the PGA Tour?
One major obstacle for LIV players continues to be limited access to OWGR points, which have traditionally served as the key metric for qualification into the Majors and other prestigious global events.
But those rankings now appear increasingly out of sync with performance. In response, some Majors have shown flexibility, extending special invitations to ensure strong fields.
Consider this: Dubai-based Adrian Meronk played in all four Majors in 2024. In 2025, he currently looks set to miss out on all of them.
Is it time for a new, globally recognized ranking system across men's professional golf? The debate is only just beginning.
LIV Golf Players in the 2025 US Open Field
(Based on past champions and other exemption categories)
Josele Ballester
Richard Bland
Bryson DeChambeau
Tyrrell Hatton
Dustin Johnson
Brooks Koepka
Jinichiro Kozuma
Marc Leishman
Phil Mickelson
Joaquin Niemann
Carlos Ortiz
Jon Rahm
Patrick Reed
Cameron Smith
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