The new CEO is bringing many new changes to LIV Golf, and they might be a hit. A significant shift is brewing at LIV as it appears to be reshaping its structure. It has been 2 years since LIV Golf was denied the Rolex Official World Golf Rankings. But a lot of things have changed in the past 2 years.

Greg Norman stepped down as LIV’s CEO to allow Scott O’Neil to take his place. Now, LIV has reapplied for the ranking points, and O’Neil has made a decision that can significantly affect OWGR’s decision. Until now, only golfers who signed with LIV have played in LIV tournaments, with one exception. The top golfer from the International Series who didn’t already have a contract with LIV was signed. But now, the number of spots seems to be increasing from 2026.

In an X post, Flushing It wrote, “LIV Golf is set to double qualifying spots for The International Series on the Asian Tour, with sources confirming that the 2 highest ranked, non-contracted players will earn spots for the 2026 season. This is believed to be the first move in appeasing the OWGR after submitting a new application back in June.”

One of the primary reasons LIV gave for declining the previous application was the league’s closed roster. The then OWGR chairman, Peter Dawson, said that he felt sorry for LIV golfers. He acknowledged that many athletes on LIV’s roster were once top-ranked in the OWGR. But despite their skills, they are not getting the OWGR points they deserve. However, he never regretted declining LIV’s application. He said that the OWGR must ensure every golfer is ranked equitably. But LIV’s format didn’t allow that.

“Simply put, the board committee does not believe it is equitable to thousands of players who strive every day to get starts in OWGR eligible tournaments to have a tour operate in this mostly closed fashion,” Dawson wrote in the letter written to LIV. However, as the leadership at both LIV Golf and the OWGR has changed, Scot O’Neil has reapplied for the ranking points.

“We are confident our application addresses the outstanding questions that exist to support a more global, all-encompassing, and accurate ranking system. We are hopeful the review and approval process can progress ahead of the 2026 major season,” O’Neil said.

Besides adding 2 spots from the International Series, “It is also understood that the LIV Golf Promotions Event, rumored to be taking place in Tampa Bay, will be played in the second week of January, and it could offer at least another 2 spots,” said the X post.

That’s 4 new members based on pure merit. This can work to LIV Golf’s favor. The new OWGR chairman, Trevor Immelman, says that the organization says that the board is committed to a thorough evaluation before making a decision. “LIV’s application will be reviewed in accordance with OWGR’s criteria to ensure fairness, integrity, and consistency,” he said.

As these changes unfold, the International Series is poised to open up more opportunities for golfers worldwide, though competition for spots, especially the second one, remains intense.

Possible International Series candidates for LIV Golf spots

Currently leading the International Series rankings with a comfortable margin is Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent. He has already secured multiple wins in the series, including a victory at the Morocco event. His consistent performances make him a key candidate to clinch one of the spots. After the International Series Philippines, he has 318.99 points. He is over 100 points over the second person on the list, who is Miguel Tabuena.

Tabuena is most likely to aim for the top position by the season’s end. However, with only two more events before the season finale at Riyadh, it looks quite challenging for the Filipino golfer. He has 210.89 points in his name, and overtaking Vincent would require exceptional performances at the LINK Hong Kong Open and the Moutai Singapore Open. Some other notable names who can possibly clinch the spot are Kazuki Higa and Danthai Boonma.

LIV Golf’s latest changes mark a clear effort to align more closely with global standards and open new doors for aspiring players. Whether these adjustments will be enough to regain OWGR approval remains to be seen, but they signal a league willing to evolve.