‘Laughing Stock’: LIV Golf Commissioner Lashes Out at OWGR

The back and forth spat between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf has been an ongoing rivalry for the last few months. However, in the latest statement, Greg Norman, who is the CEO of the Saudi-backed Tour, called out Official Golf World Rankings. The OWGR doesn’t consider the newfound Tour for their rankings. However, Norman had some words and a warning for the golf ranking body in his latest statement.

The events of LIV Golf currently don’t qualify for the OWGR as they don’t follow the certain criteria of a 36-hole cut or a 72-hole tournament. Players who made the jump from the PGA Tour are seeing their world rankings plummet. Cameron Smith, the only top-10 ranked LIV player, is also seeing a fall in his rankings. Former World No.1, Dustin Johnson, has dropped to 23rd while Phil Mickelson is now at 120th.

Nearly a month ago, Greg Norman had sent a letter to the OWGR citing the strength of the fields in LIV events as a reason to be included. However, in a recent interview, the Australian doubled down on his thoughts on the ranking body.

LIV Golf CEO calls out the OWGR

During his recent interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Norman talked about how the OWGR will cease to be relevant if they ignore those playing with LIV. Moreover, he also confirmed that he has no intention of changing the format to 72-holes.

Norman said, “It makes OWGR look obsolete if they don’t [accept LIV]. If they wake up at the end of the year and Dustin Johnson is 102 in the world, is that not a laughing stock to the OWGR?” He also gave the ranking body an ultimatum by saying, “There’s two ways they can go: they can either fold, or they include LIV into OWGR”.

Read More: ‘Can See the Value of Our Product’: Greg Norman Talks Makes a Huge Revelation About LIV Golf’s Broadcasting Rights

The 67-year-old LIV chief also suggested that the Majors stay neutral as the war of the Tour between PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues. Though many LIV Golf stars have exemptions to play in the Majors, some of the other stars rely on the ranking system to take part in the Majors.

A restriction of OWGR on LIV Golf will affect the Breakaway Tour negatively. As the lucrative series looks to become the primary Tour, in the near future OWGR has no option but to consider their events for the ranking system.

Do you think LIV Golf stars deserve OWGR exemption? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story: Tiger Woods Extends His Beef With Liv Golf Chief Greg Norman