LIV Golf events have not awarded Official World Golf Ranking points since the league began in 2022.

However, developments under its current CEO, Scott O’Neil, have renewed discussion around the issue.

In a post on X dated January 10, Tee Times reported: “#LIVGolf CEO Scott O’Neil says this month they are hoping to finalize OWGR points AND have the DP World Tour roll back the fines assessed to LIV Golf players.”

If progress is made on OWGR recognition and tour fines, players currently facing penalties could see a change in their status.

Jon Rahm and the DP World Tour are currently at odds, with the situation moving toward a formal dispute. 

Rahm played for Team Europe in the 2025 Ryder Cup and contributed to the team’s win over the United States. Despite that involvement, his tour membership is now under review.

The DP World Tour fined Rahm for participating in LIV Golf events. Rahm has chosen not to pay the fine, which has put his membership status at risk. 

LIV Golf confirmed that it will move from a 54-hole format to a 72-hole format starting in the 2026 season. This adjustment addresses a point referenced during the rejection of its previous OWGR application in October 2023.

In a statement issued in late December 2025, Trevor Immelman said, “Discussions have been regular and remain ongoing. To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time. We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve.”

While LIV Golf players are awaiting an outcome, one voice continues to oppose the league’s model.

Brandel Chamblee on LIV Golf’s OWGR application

Speaking on The Favorite Chamblee Podcast with his wife, Bailey, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee addressed LIV Golf’s application for OWGR points.

“They're not even close to warranting world ranking points,” said Chamblee. “Because the very nature of that tour is not about earned status, it's about invitation.

“Things that are based on invitation and not earned status are exhibitions, not competitions. LIV is not a competition, LIV is an exhibition, it's got no business getting world ranking points, zero, zero.”

Brandel Chamblee has argued that LIV Golf’s contract-based entry model conflicts with the criteria used by the Official World Golf Ranking. 

According to Chamblee, OWGR points are tied to earned access and competitive structure, which he believes LIV Golf does not follow.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu