Jon Rahm has voiced dissatisfaction with the Official World Golf Ranking board's decision to award points only to the top 10 finishers in LIV Golf events. The two-time major winner called the restriction unfair during the league's season opener in Riyadh. The ruling marks the first time LIV players will receive OWGR points, though under conditions differing from other tours.
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board announced on Tuesday its decision to grant ranking points to LIV Golf players for the first time, starting with the 2026 season. However, points will be limited to the top 10 finishers in each event, unlike the other 24 men's professional tours where all players making the cut earn points.
Speaking at LIV Golf's season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jon Rahm expressed mixed feelings. "It's fantastic that we're being recognised in a way," the Spaniard said, but added, "I don't like how we're not being treated the same as every other tour. It doesn't seem fair." He highlighted that smaller fields on other tours receive full points, while LIV's structure—now expanded to 72 holes from 54—faces unique restrictions.
The OWGR justified the limit by noting LIV Golf's failure to meet several eligibility standards, including an average field size of 57 players against a required minimum of 75, no-cut events, and non-meritocratic player selection processes. LIV Golf described the ruling as "unprecedented," arguing in a statement that a 11th-place finisher would be treated equivalently to one finishing 57th, harming consistent performers and emerging talent.
The league pointed to other events like the Hero World Challenge (20 players) and various PGA Tour playoffs with smaller fields that award points to all participants without cuts. LIV acknowledged the recognition as a "long-overdue" step but vowed to advocate for a fairer system. Rahm noted potential downsides, such as players losing points for finishes outside the top 10, and emphasized that more work is needed for equal treatment.
At the Riyadh event, Rahm shot a five-under-par 67 in the first round, tying for fourth with players like England's Tyrrell Hatton. Belgian newcomer Thomas Detry and American Peter Uihlein led at seven under. The tournament, held at Riyadh Golf Club, underscores LIV's push for legitimacy amid ongoing debates in professional golf.
