LIV stars forced to look elsewhere for Open spot as world ranking snub goes on
Two LIV Golf stars have turned their attention to the Asian Tour this week, with world ranking points and three spaces at the Open Championship up for grabs at the Malaysian Open.
The amount of LIV players competing at golf's four majors is set to be limited this year, with the Saudi-backed league still yet to be recognised by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Whilst some of the league's big names hold exemptions thanks to their previous major triumphs, the rest of the membership look set to miss out, with LIV events yet to be handed world ranking points.
In a bid to forge a way to this year's Open at Royal Troon, Englishman, Sam Horsfield and David Puig of Spain have opted to head to Malaysia this week in a bid to land a spot at the final major of the year.
READ MORE: Tiger Woods offers Phil Mickelson route back to PGA Tour with LIV Golf player spot under threat
Whilst Horsfield and Puig will get the chance to bank some rare ranking points, they will also be gunning to land a top-three finish, which is rewarded with a guaranteed spot in July's Open. And both have had impressive starts at The Mines Resort & Golf Club, sitting alongside each other in a tie for 13th at five-under-par following the end of round one.
Bubba Watson shares details of horror knee injury ahead of LIV Golf debut
Whilst the connections to the Asian Tour provide some ranking respite for LIV members, it is still a far from ideal scenario for members of the breakaway league. LIV have made great strides in the professional game since its inception in June 2022, but one huge kink that remains in the armour is its lack of OWGR recognition.
Their latest bid was rejected last October, with OWGR bosses stating the league's 54-hole, no-cut format and promotion and relegation system as the key reasoning behind the rejection. Unsurprisingly those in charge of the Saudi-backed league were less than impressed with the decision, slamming the legitimacy of the rankings.
David Puig is competing in Malaysia later this week"OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective," a LIV statement read at the time." Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system. There is no benefit for fans or players from the lack of trust or clarity as long as the best player performances are not recognised.
"LIV will continue to strive to level set the market so fans, broadcasters, and sponsors have the assurance of an independent and objective ranking system and the pure enjoyment of watching the best golf in the world." One proposal that has been suggested is those in charge of golf's four majors offering some sort of exemption pathway for those competing on the breakaway league.
Suggesting the idea in Jeddah last October, Bryson DeChambeau claimed: " I think at this point in time now that they’re not allowing it, we would love to find another way to be integrated into the major championship system since I think we have some of the best players in the world.
“Top 12 on the list, the money list, at the end of the year or the points list at the end of the year, would be I think obvious for the major championships to host the best players in the world at those four events each year.” As things stand though, the powers that be are yet to provide the LIV setup with any sort of qualification category.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
