A call on whether or not LIV Golf occasions can earn world rating factors might are available in time for the Saudi-backed circuit’s season opener in February, Official World Golf Rating (OWGR) governing board chairman Trevor Immelman mentioned on Friday.
The breakaway tour’s preliminary bid was unanimously rejected by the OWGR in 2023, with a key concern mentioned to be restricted entry for gamers to affix the competitors.
The problem has led to LIV gamers plummeting down the world rankings, with former world primary Dustin Johnson now ranked 637th and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton LIV’s highest-ranked consultant at twentieth.
In June, LIV renewed its pursuit of world rating factors by submitting an software with the OWGR. It additionally introduced it would develop its match format from 54 to 72 holes in 2026.
Requested if a choice could possibly be reached earlier than LIV Golf’s 2026 season begins on February 4 in Riyadh, Immelman informed reporters on Friday: “I feel there’s an opportunity …
“Since they resubmitted their software on the finish of June, we’ve been all working arduous collectively, making an attempt to get solutions. Making an attempt to determine what they wish to do. They’re making an attempt to determine how their league goes to be evolving.”
READ | OWGR chairman Immelman says LIV has not reapplied for world rating factors
In 2025, the sphere for LIV Golf’s tournaments consisted of 13 four-man groups and two everlasting wild card spots for a complete of 54 gamers – far fewer than the variety of golfers that compete at customary PGA Tour occasions.
“They’ll be rising their discipline a bit of bit, it seems from what I’ve been informed, and might presumably develop even additional in years to return,” mentioned 2008 Masters champion Immelman.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf had appeared near finalising the framework settlement that was introduced in June 2023 however a deal to finish golf’s civil conflict not appears imminent.
Printed on Dec 20, 2025