This week, Patrick Reed delivered a performance that has reshaped the conversation around the Official World Golf Ranking. While many LIV golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, are plummeting in world rankings because LIV events don’t offer OWGR points, Reed’s win at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic took him ahead of his peers. His performance in Dubai did more than add another trophy to his resume; it sent a signal that his game is peaking at the right time.

“Patrick Reed up to world No.26 with that dominant win against a strong field. He’s been the best player all week and he’s so good to watch around the greens. A serious threat for the Masters this year,” Ben Parsons of Today’s Golfer wrote in an X post.

Patrick Reed captured the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club by four strokes. He closed with an even-par 72 after building a commanding cushion through a dazzling third-round 67. Highlights included a 40-foot eagle and seven birdies, showcasing the short-game touch that has long defined his success. The Rolex Series field featured stars such as Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, and Tommy Fleetwood, making the victory even more significant.

The win propelled Reed to No. 26 in the OWGR, ahead of LIV Golf peers Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. DeChambeau and Rahm, on the other hand, are facing major slides in OWGR rankings. It is evident that the Spaniard’s performance in the major events has declined after joining LIV. Because of no OWGR points in LIV events and poor performances at majors, Rahm’s numbers are declining.

However, Bryson DeChambeau is someone whose performance has not been affected much after joining the Saudi-backed league. Even after his move, he finished at T4 at the 2023 PGA Championship and T20 at the 2023 US Open. Then in 2024, he finished T6 at the Masters, solo 2nd at the PGA Championship, and won the US Open. He maintained the momentum in 2025 to finish T10 at the Open Championship, T5 at the Masters, and T2 at the PGA Championship. He missed the cut in 1 major in both 2024 and 2025.

Despite good performances at major events, his current OWGR ranking is 28. In 2025, he gained 9.38523 points at the International Series India presented by DLF, 22 points at the Masters Tournament, 43.33333 points at the PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, and 12.50000 points at the 153 Open Championship.

Patrick Reed, on the other hand, was ranked 44th in OWGR before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 win. He had 77.21332 points to his name. Because of the strong field at the event, the projected points for the winner were 30.85856. While there’s no official information on exactly how many OWGR points Patrick Reed earned, adding 30.85 to his initial total would mean that he now has over 108 points.

With that, he would reach World No. 26, ahead of Patrick Cantlay at No. 27 with 105.67814 points and Bryson DeChambeau at No. 28 with 100.30220.

While Patrick Reed edged past Bryson DeChambeau with his win at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the 2024 US Open winner could still have the last laugh if LIV gets eligible status.

Top Stories

Patrick Reed Willing to End Rory McIlroy Feud Using Bizarre Measure Years After ‘Tee-Gate’

Paige Spiranac Undergoes Major Transformation as She Makes Jaws Drop With New ‘Life Update’

Rickie Fowler Cautions 18-Year-Old Pro as He Scripts PGA Tour History

‘Rest in Peace’: PGA Tour in Mourning as NFL Legend-Turned-Golf Pro Dies at 90

After Heated Run-Ins With Officials, Shane Lowry Claims He Helped Change a Golf Rule

LIV Golf’s OWGR points eligibility

LIV Golf reapplied for OWGR eligibility on June 30, 2025. OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman confirmed an ongoing review in December 2025, noting progress but no decision. Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf’s CEO, is hoping for positive results after multiple changes he made to align with OWGR’s requirements.

To begin with, one of the biggest changes made was the switch to a 72-hole format. The Saudi-backed league used to play a 54-hole format. However, the OWGR said that the format made it challenging for them to award points as golfers on other tours play 72-hole events. This change came amid OWGR’s updated rules that assign 75% points to 54-hole events and 50% points to 36-hole events.

Besides that, LIV Golf added 3 more athletes to its roster which means that the league now has 57 players. Notably, two leaders of the Asian Tour Order of Merit received contracts instead of one. Additionally, three toppers from the LIV Golf Promotions event got a wildcard spot. This ensured spots for golfers based on merit rather than just random contracts.

As LIV Golf waits for its OWGR eligibility decision, the league’s impact on future rankings remains a major talking point. This is especially true for golfers who continue to rely only on majors. Against that backdrop, Patrick Reed’s surge in Dubai stands out as a timely reminder that strong performances on recognized tours can still reshape the leaderboard.