Latest news with #OWGR
Khaleej Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
LIV Golf gathers momentum as unstoppable Niemann claims record fifth victory
As the 2025 LIV Golf season nears its dramatic conclusion, the once-controversial tour is showing signs of evolution, flourishing with growing viewership, star performances, and tightened team battles. With only two individual events remaining before the team finale in Michigan, the stakes have never been higher. Only Chicago (August 8–10) and Indianapolis (August 15–17) remain on the 14-event LIV schedule, before all 13 teams gear up for the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship from August 22–24. Joaquin Niemann, playing for Torque GC, made headlines again last week with his record fifth win of the season at LIV Golf UK by JCB. The Chilean fired rounds of 65, 63, and 68 to finish 17-under-par, securing a three-shot victory and a hefty share of the $25 million purse. Bubba Watson (RangeGoats GC) showed a welcome return to form in second, while rising star Caleb Surratt (Legion XIII) took third, one stroke further back. How the Season Format Stands At each event, the top 24 players earn points. Those finishing the season inside the top 24 are guaranteed LIV Golf status for 2026, known as The Lock Zone. Currently, the last man in is Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC). Players ranked 25–48 fall into The Open Zone. They may retain their place in LIV Golf but are not guaranteed a team contract for next season. Notable names in this bracket include: Louis Oosthuizen (Stinger GC) – 28 Brooks Koepka (Smash GC) – 30 Lee Westwood (Majesticks GC) – 46 Henrik Stenson (Majesticks GC) – 47 Those placed 49th and below land in The Drop Zone, facing potential relegation unless they secure their spots through the LIV Promotions or other exemptions. Ian Poulter, a key figure in the Majesticks GC setup, currently sits in 51st. Niemann's dominance continues, leading the Individual Standings ahead of Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Team Competition Tightens In the Team Standings, Legion XIII—powered by consistent finishes—leads the two-time defending champions, Crushers GC, with Fireballs GC in third. The revamped 2025 format, requiring all four players' scores to count over all three days, has rewarded teams with depth and consistency. UAE-based players, Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) and Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC), both look secure for 2026, placed 17th and 21st, respectively in the Individual Rankings. Their teams sit in 11th and 2nd, respectively. The Road Ahead: OWGR and Legitimacy The quest for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition remains ongoing. Transparent and credible promotion and relegation systems appear crucial to earning OWGR points. Many observers will be watching closely to see if adjustments are made to help LIV Golf achieve full status. The LIV Golf Promotions event—along with the Asian Tour's International Series—offers players a pathway into the league, ensuring fresh talent enters the system each season. As the season hurtles toward its climax, LIV Golf is no longer just an upstart disruptor. It's maturing, and with players like Niemann leading the charge, the story of 2025 is far from finished.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Stars returning to PGA Tour and broken promise - Three years of LIV Golf summed up
LIV Golf held its maiden event at the Centurion Club three years ago, and despite drawing in a number of high-profile players, the breakaway league still faces substantial challenges LIV Golf is celebrating its third anniversary, having made a significant splash in the world of golf when it launched in 2022. The breakaway banner's inaugural tournament took place at the Centurion Club, and after Talor Gooch's victory at Valderrama in Andalusia, the contentious series is back for LIV Golf UK at the JCB Golf and Country Club this weekend. In its brief existence, the league has experienced both triumphs and trials, including robust financial support, a divisive format, struggles to gain mainstream recognition, and crucial ranking points. While LIV Golf has undoubtedly shaken up the golfing world, it faces important challenges in the near future. An unfulfilled promise LIV Golf has yet to secure world ranking points from the Official World Golf Rankings despite being three years on from its first tournament. It submitted an application in July 2022 but was informed in October 2023 that its request had been rejected due to insufficient player pathways to the league. There are no weekly qualifiers in LIV Golf, nor is there a regular rotation of players. At the conclusion of the 2024 season, LIV Golf only promoted one player through its Promotions Event, and no one qualified via the Asian Tour's International Series. In March 2024, LIV Golf announced it was withdrawing its OWGR bid. The absence of ranking points is a significant setback for LIV Golf players, preventing them from qualifying for major tournaments or the Ryder Cup. Eugenio Chacarra openly criticised the series, claiming he was misled about receiving Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points upon signing. Speaking to FlushingItGolf, Chacarra said: "When I joined LIV, they promised OWGR and majors. But it didn't happen. I trusted them. I was the first young guy, then the others came after I made the decision. "But OWGR and majors still hasn't happened. I saw you last year when they pulled the bid. It's frustrating, but I'm excited for the new opportunity to see where my game takes me." Returning to the PGA Tour After an initial exodus of stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka to LIV Golf, the trend of players switching allegiance has slowed. Some players have already made their way back to the PGA Tour, and there's speculation that the original high-profile signings might follow suit. Golf legend Fred Couples suggested that Koepka is keen on returning to the PGA Tour, while the five-time major winner himself has not ruled out a comeback, which would be a significant loss for LIV Golf. Koepka said: "Like I've said before, I'm not in those rooms," referring to his ongoing negotiations, adding: "I've got a contract obligation out here to fulfill, and then we'll see what happens. I don't know where I'm going, so I don't know how everybody else does. "Right now I'm just focused on how do I play better, how do I play better in the majors, how does this team win, and then we'll figure out next year and how to play better again. It's the same thing. It's just a revolving cycle. I've got nothing. Everybody else seems to know more than I do." Major struggles Koepka clinched the 2023 PGA Championship and DeChambeau triumphed at a thrilling 2024 US Open, yet they are the sole LIV Golf icons to have secured a major after making the move despite the league boasting some of the globe's top golfers. Jon Rahm and Cam Smith haven't expanded their major collection since joining, while Phil Mickelson has also found majors challenging. Paul McGinley highlighted the drawbacks for LIV Golf players against their PGA Tour counterparts regarding majors, explaining to the Golf Channel: "Coming back with all the jet leg is not that easy - it's a whole lot easier staying in one country then playing the Major in that same country. "Going to LIV, yes there's a lot of upside and they got a lot of money to do so, but because it's a start-up and they have to travel around the world it gives a lot of disadvantages when it comes to these Major championships. Bar Brooks and Bryson, the rest have not turned up seriously since they've gone to LIV in these Major championships."
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
LIV Golf CEO Confirms Meeting with OWGR Boss Amid Ranking Points Application
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. LIV Golf has achieved some victories this season in its quest to establish itself as one of the leading tours in the world of golf. In addition to the direct paths to qualify for the US Open and Open Championship, they hope to soon be able to add world ranking points for their tournaments. Proof of this is that they recently formally reapplied to the Official World Golf Rankings to join their points system, despite the fact that little or nothing has changed since the last time they did so, at least visibly. The matter hasn't ended there; there has been direct contact between the authorities of both institutions. This was confirmed by LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil during his press conference prior to the event being played this week in the United Kingdom. "It's still a bit premature," O'Neil said according to the press conference's transcripts. "We have filed an application, and I'm in pretty good contact with (OWGR's chairman) Trevor Immelman. We have a call later this week. He's been a good source of encouragement, push-back, debate, and we've both agreed to keep those conversations between the two of us until we take another step forward." Scott O'Neil CEO of LIV Golf reacts after the match on day three of LIV Golf Hong Kong at The Hong Kong Golf Club on March 09, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. Scott O'Neil CEO of LIV Golf reacts after the match on day three of LIV Golf Hong Kong at The Hong Kong Golf Club on March 09, 2025 in Hong Kong, this season, both the US Open and the Open Championship created direct pathways for one LIV Golf player to qualify for their respective majors based solely on their league results. This is a limited number, but it has been welcomed by the tour and its supporters as a step in the direction they hope for. The league has also received support from several major sponsors, both for its teams and for some individual players. Little Has Changed in LIV Golf's System Aside from plans for future modifications to the LIV Golf system, which may have been communicated to the OWGR but not to the general public, little has changed in the league's format since its last application to enter the world ranking system. The main reason that led the OWGR to reject LIV Golf's first application remains fully in place. It is the tour's lack of solid qualification and relegation methods that allows players to compete for access to it. LIV Golf implemented player relegation, a system that to date has left more questions than answers. Last year, only five of the 52 starting players and one reserve player were relegated, and two of them, Bubba Watson and Branden Grace, were later re-signed by their respective teams. There was no qualifying system whatsoever. The league also created two ways to compete for a roster spot, but this hasn't been a good-looking prospect either. A spot is awarded to the winner of the Asian Tour's International Series, but if the winner is already an LIV player (as was the case last year), the benefit doesn't carry over to the next eligible player. The other method is the promotions event, which last season awarded only one contract to the winner. The benefit went to Chien Li Po, who wasn't even given a spot on a team, but is instead playing as an individual with a wild card. The primary method of entry into LIV Golf remains direct player signings. This is something that will undoubtedly be a focus of the OWGR's attention when evaluating the application. More Golf: Ryder Cup Announces Spanish Venue for 2031 Edition
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood Slam OWGR System Ahead of Ryder Cup Selection
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Golf's major season is officially wrapped, and we're just 64 days away from the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. For most players, there's still a final window to fight for a spot before next month's BMW Championship, after which the automatic qualifiers will get locked. Unfortunately, that opportunity doesn't extend to LIV Golf pros. Unlike the PGA and DP World Tour members, LIV Golf players are still excluded from receiving Official World Golf Ranking points while playing in events hosted by their own club. Over time, many have echoed their frustration over the issue. The latest voice belongs to Englishman Lee Westwood, now ranked No. 930 in the OWGR. LIV Golf's Lee Westwood calls out OWGR system as "mockery" After tying for 34th at The Open, Westwood jumped 3,759 spots up the OWGR, placing himself ahead of his son, Sam, a mini-tour player ranked 2,759th. PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Lee Westwood of England walks down the 1st hole with his wife and caddie Helen Storey during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club... PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Lee Westwood of England walks down the 1st hole with his wife and caddie Helen Storey during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by) More Getty Images When asked about it during Wednesday's LIV Golf UK press conference, Westwood stated that it "just proves that without world ranking points it makes a bit of a mockery of the system." With limited opportunities to earn ranking points via the DP World Tour and other sanctioned events, LIV pros continue to struggle. Dustin Johnson, former World No. 1 for 135 weeks, had dropped to No. 907 before a T23 finish at The Open that nudged him back to No. 571. If we skim through the list of the top 50 as well, it includes only Bryson DeChambeau (No. 16) and Tyrrell Hatton (No. 21). On Wednesday, Westwood applauded LIV's second OWGR submission, under new CEO Scott O'Neil's rule, but warned that time is running out. "I think mainly it relates back to wanting the best players in the major championships, not wanting this conversation where there's a few people missing out because we don't get world ranking points on LIV." "We either start to get world ranking points on LIV or the major championships have to revise their qualification system," he added, per the transcripts. "Some of them seem to want to do it, but some seem reluctant. They'd have to have a separate qualification system for LIV players, which I don't think anybody particularly wants. You want it all to be based off the same system." Jon Rahm, who joined LIV back in December 2023, echoed Westwood's concerns. Lee Westwood was not the only one Rahm has long criticized the OWGR's two-year rolling system, which he says penalizes players for short slumps and rewards strategic scheduling. UTTOXETER, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton of Team Legion XIII interact before playing their shot during LIV Golf: UK - Day 1 at JCB Golf & Country Club on July 26,... UTTOXETER, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton of Team Legion XIII interact before playing their shot during LIV Golf: UK - Day 1 at JCB Golf & Country Club on July 26, 2024 in Uttoxeter, England. (Photo by) More Getty Images "I already thought it was flawed before I ever came, and I was vocal about it," Rahm told journalists during the Wednesday conference. "So I think the last few years, even the world ranking itself and both Data Golf do a strokes gained ranking, and I think that much more reflects who truly is playing the best because the actual points being a two-year ranking, you can have a poor week or a poor three weeks, and that will hold you down for two whole years. "It's crazy how you can actually finesse a little bit of the system by playing certain weeks and not playing certain weeks and things like that. It's always going to be somewhat accurate but not the most, and I think strokes gained usually is going to be the better representation of how truly everybody is playing." That was not the end of players speaking boldly on the topic. Hatton, who finished T16 at The Open, emphasized the disconnect between talent and ranking. "I think there's a lot of guys out here that you certainly want to be playing in majors. If there's a better pathway for that for us, then that's brilliant," he expressed publicly during the same media conference. "There's a lot of guys out here, their current world ranking doesn't really reflect the type of golfer that they are," Hatton continued. "The sooner the world rankings can become a little bit more realistic again, the better it is for golf." Ryder Cup hopefuls like Hatton and Westwood risk losing their hard-earned positions. And with no OWGR points available, as LIV Golf UK tees off this Friday, the conversation around rankings and qualification is going to be louder than ever. More Golf: Scottie Scheffler Stuns Jimmy Fallon With Claret Jug at 'Tonight Show'
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
LIV Golf players slam ‘mockery' of world rankings system
England's Lee Westwood reacts after finishing on the 18th green on the final day of the British Open. LONDON – Lee Westwood's tie for 34th at the British Open vaulted him 3,759 spots in the Official World Golf Ranking. Now at No. 930, he is back ahead of his son, Sam, a mini-tour player who currently sits 2,759th. That served as Exhibit 1 for the Englishman's rant against the world rankings system. 'I think that just proves that without world ranking points it makes a bit of a mockery of the system,' Westwood said on Wednesday ahead of this week's LIV Golf UK event. The comments came after the league re-applied for submission to the OWGR last month. That submission currently is under review. LIV originally applied for accreditation in July of 2022, shortly after the league launched, but was denied. LIV golfers currently can only earn ranking points by competing in Majors and international tour events. With limited ability to amass points via the DP World Tour and other tours, LIV players like Westwood have continued to plummet down the OWGR. Dustin Johnson, who spent 135 weeks at No. 1, dropped as low as 907th before a T23 last week vaulted him back up to 571st. The current Top 50 includes only two LIV players – No. 16 Bryson DeChambeau and No. 21 Tyrrell Hatton. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 2 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border Asia Live: Thai-Cambodia border clash Singapore Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times; ordered to stay 2 years in S'pore Boys' Home Business MOM probing work injury claim flagged by late Sumo Salad boss Jane Lee: MOS Dinesh Business New tie-up offers insurance savings for SMEs committed to workers' health and well-being Singapore What's key to a good life? Most Singapore residents choose emotional and mental well-being Singapore Astronomer executives' Coldplay scandal: Why it went viral and the obsession with public shaming World Trump was told he is in Epstein files, Wall Street Journal reports Westwood applauds LIV's recent second submission and believes that without earning OWGR, the four Majors will have to alter their processes to include more LIV players in the future. 'I think it relates back to wanting the best players in the Major championships, not wanting this conversation where there's a few people missing out because we don't get world ranking points on LIV,' he said. 'We either start to get world ranking points on LIV or the Major championships have to revise their qualification system... and you want it all to be based off the same system.' That he was able to jump more than 3,000 spots based off a tie for 34th at one event speaks to the core issues Westwood has with the system. Jon Rahm's issues with the OWGR pre-date joining LIV in December 2023, and supports a system that focuses more on key playing metrics. 'I already thought it was flawed before I ever came, and I was vocal about it,' he said. 'So I think the last few years, even the world ranking itself and both Data Golf do a strokes gained ranking, and I think that much more reflects who truly is playing the best because the actual points being a two- year ranking, you can have a poor week or a poor three weeks, and that will hold you down for two whole years. 'It's crazy how you can actually finesse a little bit of the system by playing certain weeks and not playing certain weeks and things like that. It's always going to be somewhat accurate but not the most, and I think strokes gained usually is going to be the better representation of how truly everybody is playing.' For now, LIV players will continue to tumble down the OWGR. Sure, they can accumulate some points on other tours outside of LIV events, but the next Major isn't until the Masters next April. And unless they are included in the OWGR, it will become increasingly difficult for LIV players to qualify for the four biggest tournaments each year. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said earlier this month that he's hopefully the approval process can progress ahead of the 2026 Major season. 'I think there's a lot of guys out here that you certainly want to be playing in Majors. If there's a better pathway for that for us, then that's brilliant,' Hatton said. 'There's a lot of guys out here, their current world ranking doesn't really reflect the type of golfer that they are, and I think everyone would like to think everyone sitting here would agree with that statement. 'I guess the sooner the world rankings can become a little bit more realistic again, the better it is for golf.' REUTERS
