When former LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman chose not to appease the qualifications to earn OWGR points in early 2024, he stated, “The OWGR has shown little willingness to work productively with us.” However, the Saudi-backed league, which attempted to find a solution in 2023 by partnering with the lesser-known MENA Tour—only to be rejected by the OWGR—has faced several consequences as a result of this decision. Golfers of caliber such as Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed, both Masters winners, were forced to play in Asian Tours and DP World Tour events to secure a spot in major events. However, now that Greg Norman has stepped away from his role as CEO, the Saudi-backed league is seeing more than one win in its hands, including a more secure future for its golfers.

Recent reports from insiders involved in the negotiations between LIV Golf and the OWGR indicate that executives from both organizations are engaged in serious discussions about the possibility of awarding ranking points to LIV golfers. Part of the reason these talks have progressed to this stage may stem from the recent leadership changes at both LIV Golf and the OWGR. In January, Scott O’Neil replaced Greg Norman as LIV Golf’s CEO. Similarly, this month, 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman took over as chair of the OWGR, succeeding Peter Dawson. The two key figures were first seen conversing beneath the iconic oak tree behind the Augusta National clubhouse. If this renewed interest is any indication, LIV golfers may soon experience significant changes.

If these talks succeed, they will streamline the qualification process for LIV golfers aiming to participate in the four men’s major tournaments: the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. These majors typically invite players ranked in the top 50-60 of the OWGR. While some LIV golfers have exemptions, many do not, highlighting the importance of securing OWGR points for LIV Golf.

However, this latest news hasn’t come easily for the league. Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has sought to secure ranking points for its players but has often faced rejection due to its team format and the frequent changes in player rosters. In its 2023 response to LIV Golf’s attempts to gain a spot at OWGR, OWGR replied, “It is unfortunate that no way to include LIV Golf in the Ranking could be found which would be fair and equitable to the 24 currently eligible tours and their thousands of playing members.”

Traditionally, golf equipment contracts come with bonuses linked to OWGR points, and some LIV golfers, like Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, have modified their contracts to reflect their attempts to earn these points. However, LIV players can only accumulate OWGR points in major tournaments and European Tour events because they cannot compete in PGA tournaments. Consequently, only Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, and Patrick Reed are currently in the top 50 of the OWGR.

This season, under the new LIV CEO, Scott O’Neil, the Saudi-backed league has also achieved significant milestones, including granting exemptions to LIV golfers for the U.S. Open and The Open through a separate category. While LIV Golf has yet to comment on these recent developments, Joaquín Niemann has expressed support and trust that Scott O’Neil may be able to bring about the change that Greg Norman could not.

Joaquin Niemann shows hope for a successful outcome with Scott O’Neil in the lead

While present in Mexico to celebrate his latest win in LIV Golf, Joaquín Niemann expressed hope and trust in the new LIV Golf CEO. Talking to ESPN reporters about LIV golfers possibly recieving OWGR points, the Chilean golfer replied, “With someone like Scott leading the way, I think he’s really tried to do the best for the league and for golf in general. I feel very confident about where we are right now. If it ends up happening, and we do get world ranking points, it would be incredible. And if not, we’ll continue to get closer little by little.”

One reason Joaquín Niemann trusts Scott O’Neil is that he became the first LIV golfer to qualify for the U.S. Open through a new exemption introduced by the USGA, which is another success under O’Neil’s leadership. This new exemption grants access to LIV golfers who have not already qualified for a spot in the major tournament.

In 2025, Niemann has been a top player in LIV Golf, winning his fifth career title in Mexico City, which ties him with Brooks Koepka for the most wins in the league. He got his first win of the year in February at LIV Golf Adelaide, finishing three shots ahead of Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz, and then he won again in Singapore by five shots. With all the excitement around these talks, we will likely hear more thoughts from LIV golfers soon.