Signing up for LIV Golf ensured pros a lot of benefits that the PGA Tour couldn’t provide. Higher pay, guaranteed payouts, equity stakes, and reimbursement of expenses are just some of the lucrative terms that attract some of the best golfers in the world.

They were able to convince the likes of Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson to cross over to the Saudi-based promotion. While LIV Golf continues to grow and slowly get recognized across the globe, there is still one promise they haven’t been able to fulfill.

Reports in the past have suggested that the grand package offered by LIV Golf also included a possible recognition by the OWGR committee. During a Subpar Podcast, Carlos Ortiz stated that players were presumably promised that they would receive OWGR points sometime in the future. However, that has not been the case 3 years after the launch of the tournament. Some of the best golfers are losing points on the official golf rankings board.

In another YouTube podcast for GOLF’s Subpar, Spanish pro; David Puig discussed this topic with hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz. During the interview, Puig was asked “A popular topic with LIV has obviously been getting world ranking points. Where are you at on that? And when you went to LIV, were you all told that you all were going to get them?”

After a moment of thought, Puig said, “No. I mean, they were pretty sincere with that. I know they tried and they keep trying and at the end of the day, it’s not up to them as much as people think.” Trying to explain LIV Golf’s side of the story, the Spaniard added, “They do the right thing. They stood up of whatever they believe.” Puig discussed how it’s all about the 54 holes of the event right now. He stated that as far as “the world rankings” go, OWGR officials “just don’t want to do it.” 

Speaking of his own position on the OWGR table, Puig stated, “I played on the Asian Tour quite a bit and I played well. I got a lot better.” Explaining how his rank has improved on the table, he further added, “I’m one of the only players that got better rankings since I’m playing on LIV.” Puig shared how his participation in tournaments other than LIV Golf events has helped him become a top 100-ranked player.

This is not the first instance where a LIV Golf player has complained about the OWGR officials. Previously, Phil Mickelson had also criticized them. He said “It’s a monopoly,” as the OWGR is influenced by the PGA Tour. Phil Mickelson suggested that the decision to not consider LIV Golf events for OWGR points was instigated by the PGA Tour. LIV Golf player Patrick Reed had called the entire OWGR setup a “broken system.”

These were not the only players who criticized the OWGR committee. Other LIV Golf players have also raised their voices against the lack of recognition.

Who has revolted against LIV Golf’s omission?

While on the Fairway to Heaven Podcast of LIV Golf, Bryson DeChambeau stated, “They said ‘you need certain requirements’, we have fulfilled all those requirements, despite what everybody thinks.” While confirming that LIV Golf has followed the handbook to become eligible for inclusion, DeChambeau questioned the OWGR system by saying, “It’s been over 2 years now. What’s going on guys?” as he admitted that they don’t know what more they can do about it.

More recently, Jon Rahm has questioned the direction in which OWGR officials were heading in their decision. Speaking to Sky Sports after LIV Golf withdrew the application for its players to receive world ranking points, Rahm said “I’m going to back to what I said two years ago… I didn’t think it was a good system back then. And if anything, the more time that goes on, the more it proves to be wrong.”

What are your thoughts on the entire scenario? Do you believe LIV Golf and its players have been wrong by the OWGR? Also, how will things play out between all the parties involved if and when the PIF-PGA merger goes through? Share your opinions in the comments section.