4 days ago
Joaquin Niemann becomes the voice of LIV Golf's fight for World Ranking Points
The divisions in golf's most contrasting viewpoints have rarely been more evident, and now Joaquin Niemann has stepped firmly into the spotlight to address these differing perspectives.
The 26-year-old LIV Golf standout has been on a roll in 2025, winning nearly half of his starts and emerging as one of the game's most dominant players. Yet in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Niemann sits at a distant No. 103, a number he believes says more about politics than his performance. Recommended For You
'I feel like the ranking system is not up to me, it's up to them,' Niemann said at last week's LIV Golf Chicago. 'I'm expecting they're going to do the right thing for golf.'
In short, Niemann is saying that he trusts the golf authorities will make fair decisions that protect the integrity of the sport and ensure healthy competition, even though those choices could impact his own ranking and career.
From Niemann's perspective, awarding world ranking points to LIV Golf events is important, although it has not yet led to a step towards the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Because LIV events don't currently count toward the rankings, Niemann's only ranking points this year have come from a tie for third place at an Asian Tour event and an eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship.
Stark disparity
The disparity is stark: five victories in 11 LIV events, yet a world ranking that keeps him well outside the sport's elite on paper. It's a gulf that frustrates many LIV players, not least because it affects eligibility for majors and other marquee events.
Still, Niemann says chasing points isn't what drives him.
'It's not something I think about to tell myself in the mirror, 'Joaco, you are No. 5,'' he said. 'I'm just here to do my best, make as many birdies as possible, and make the crowd enjoy us playing golf around the world.'
The individual race in LIV's inaugural 2025 season remains alive, with Jon Rahm still capable of catching Niemann over the final two events. Rahm, another high-profile figure in the OWGR debate, has suggested that format tweaks, such as adding a fourth round or introducing a cut, could help LIV's case.
For now, Niemann is not lobbying for structural change; he's lobbying for recognition. With his record, he believes the argument is already made, and that the next move belongs to golf's power brokers.
'Do the right thing,' he says. 'For the good of the game.'
By the Numbers: Joaquin Niemann vs. the OWGR
(Same as graphic)
2025 Season (LIV & select other events) LIV Golf events played: 11
LIV Golf victories: 5
Top-5 finishes: 8
Total tournaments worldwide: 15
Worldwide wins: 5
LIV win percentage: 45%
Current OWGR position: No. 103
Highest career OWGR position: No. 15
Most recent OWGR points earned: 3rd place at Asian Tour event (Feb 2025)
Major performance this year: T8 at PGA Championship, MC at final two majors
