LIV's DeChambeau and Rahm Call for World Ranking Points for Players

Attending the 153rd Open Official Press Conference
DeChambeau Ranked 15th, Rahm Falls to 72nd
"LIV Golf Is a Highly Competitive Tour"

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) has argued that LIV Golf players should be awarded world ranking points.

At the official press conference for the 153rd Open held in Portrush, Northern Ireland, on July 16 (local time), DeChambeau said, "LIV Golf has introduced a relegation system and has also established a pathway for players to enter LIV Golf," adding, "It would be beneficial to strengthen ties with global tours to build a system for advancing to LIV Golf."

Bryson DeChambeau is answering questions from the press at the official press conference of The Open. Portrush (Northern Ireland) = AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP

Launched in June 2022, LIV Golf has not been allocated world ranking points, making it difficult for its players to maintain their world rankings. DeChambeau is currently ranked 15th in the world, while Jon Rahm has dropped to 72nd. LIV Golf requested the allocation of points from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) committee in 2023, but the request was denied. It has been reported that LIV Golf has recently reapplied for world ranking points.

The OWGR committee rejected the request in 2023, stating that "LIV Golf is a league that primarily focuses on team competitions, and with 54 players and virtually no promotion or relegation, it is a closed tour."

Rahm emphasized that "a very high level of competition is taking place in LIV Golf" and called for the allocation of world ranking points to LIV Golf. He countered, "Some argue that there is no cut and the tournaments are played over three rounds, but there is enough competition to merit world ranking points." Nineteen LIV Golf players will compete in The Open, which begins on July 17.