USA Today via Reuters
Sep 18, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dustin Johnson on the driving range prior to the final round of the Invitational Chicago LIV Golf tournament at Rich Harvest Farms. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports (Credits: Reuters)
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 18, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dustin Johnson on the driving range prior to the final round of the Invitational Chicago LIV Golf tournament at Rich Harvest Farms. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports (Credits: Reuters)
While there has been a recent shift of power on top of the world rankings system, the situation remains dire for LIV golfers. The rebel league is yet to receive any positive signs in their quest for world ranking points, which makes the dwindling of rankings continue. But how bad has been the situation for some of the game’s most popular players on the LIV series?
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LIV players plummet at OWGR standings
For content, the OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) body maintains a ranking table for all registered golfers in all-male eligible golf tours worldwide. Players who have since defected to non-eligible tours are still maintained on the list, albeit without renewed scores.
Since its inception, the LIV Golf Series has struggled to create harmony with the existing boards. Among those at friction was the OWGR, who issued a statement regarding LIV Golf’s inability to procure ranking points. While an official application has been sent, some of the best players in the world contracted with LIV are facing the drop.
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Players facing the heat in the rankings table
Take the case of Dustin Johnson, for example. The 38-year-old won the individual LIV Golf title after a phenomenal season. He led his team, ‘4 Aces’, to victory at the team event as well. While his bank account must be ringing, Johnson’s rank plummeted outside the top 50.
The 2-time major championship winner was 13th in the world when he joined the rebel league last season. But after 13 years of playing at the top level, Johnson was ranked World No. 51 in the latest update, his lowest-ever rank since 2010.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 30, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson celebrates after winning the individual championship during season finale of the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
For someone who had remained on top of the standings for 64 consecutive weeks in 2017, which remains the fifth-longest run at the top, Johnson has fallen away. This was despite his dazzling performance last season, which puts him in the conversation for the best golfer last year.
The case is similar for veteran golfer Phil Mickelson. While the 6-time major championship winner has admittedly had an off-season last year, his stock has fallen drastically. He was ranked 32nd in the world after winning the 2021 PGA Championship. But after joining LIV in a $200 million move that shook the golf community, his current rank sits as 279th.
Other LIV golfers have faced a similar fate in varying degrees. Do you think LIV golfers should be able to earn world-ranking points? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Written by
Edited by
Manaal Siddiqui