Greg Norman believes Saudi-backed LIV series has a 'compelling' case to award world ranking points
- Sean Fisher
- 19 June 2022
The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Series has already started to attract players from the PGA Tour, and the ability to award ranking points could see other players make the switch.
The LIV Invitational Series had already poached 17 players from the PGA Tour by the time they started their first event inaugural event earlier this month, and more players continue to sign up each week.
Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau are just a few of the names to have signed up to the breakaway tour, while others are critical of the links to Saudi Arabia and the human rights issues that come as part of that partnership.
But another reason some of the PGA players remain unconvinced is the lack of ranking points handed out in the LIV Series.
Dustin Johnson is one of many to have joined the breakaway LIV Series
So far, they are yet to be granted the ability to award ranking points to their participants, but LIV CEO Greg Norman insists he's working to fix that.
"We're actually applying for OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) points right now," said Norman.
"We're actually putting in our application probably over the weekend - if not Monday - and it's a very compelling application.
"We've worked very, very closely, with the technical committee understanding all the components of what you need to apply for it."
The reason players may be reluctant to jump ship to the LIV series is that ranking points are essential for qualifying for major tournaments.
It’s here.
— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) June 9, 2022
Don’t blink.#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/eqJwbfAgrw
Players ranked in the world's top 50 - at differing points in the year - are guaranteed places in three of the four majors, with the US PGA traditionally inviting all those in the top 100.
The decision to grant ranking points will come down to the OWGR board, which comprises Augusta National, the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour, the R&A, the PGA of America, the USGA, and the International Federation of PGA Tours.
Should the LIV series be allowed to award ranking points, then we could well see more players join the breakaway league.
Upon it's creation, Norman explained that the LIV tour's ideal format consists of 48 players taking on 54-hole courses, with each event boasting a prize fund of $25million (£20.4m).
