The change in format for LIV Golf tournaments (from 54 to 72 holes) may accelerate the process for the circuit, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), to earn world ranking points as early as February. This is despite the fact that the next meeting of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is not scheduled until April, after the start of the 2026 LIV season.
According to Trevor Immelman, chairman of the OWGR board, hopes of finally securing world ranking points for LIV Golf have soared. When asked about the situation, the 2008 Masters champion acknowledged that LIV had made efforts that were a step in the right direction.
Liv, statements
"They've changed their format from 54 to 72 holes, they're going to increase their field of players in the tournaments. Yes, all of that is going in the right direction. We'll talk with them again to see what the best way to work together is."
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The South African, being cautious, doesnt want to announce just yet that world ranking points will be awarded on the LIV Golf circuit in the first tournaments of 2026. Especially since the first leg of the tour is fast approaching. Its scheduled for the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, from February 4th to 7th (over four rounds). And the next major working meeting of the OWGR is scheduled for the week of the 2026 Masters in April.
But all signs are positive for accelerating the process. This is particularly evident in Trevor Immelmans communication. We are in constant dialogue with the LIV. And everything is happening in an excellent spirit. Scott ONeil (the head of LIV Golf) is passionate about his league. Well see what happens in the near future, even though no decision has been made yet.
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The OWGR evaluation follows a rigorous process that takes into account factors such as the structure of the competitions (number of rounds, field size, promotion and relegation criteria, etc.). The OWGR therefore examines the LIV's application for the allocation of these coveted points according to its usual criteria of fairness and consistency.
These world ranking points are essential for automatic qualification to Major tournaments, among other things. Without these points, many players depend on wildcards or special criteria, which jeopardizes their long-term careers.
Victor Perez, one of the LIV's newest recruits, is currently ranked 129th in the world. Without world ranking points on the LIV, his participation in Major tournaments is likely to become highly improbable. The highest-ranked LIV players in the OWGR are Tyrrell Hatton, 20th, and Bryson DeChambeau, 27th. Jon Rahm, the best player of 2025 on the circuit, is only 82nd in the world
