Apr 23, 2023; Adelaide, South Australia, AUS; Talor Gooch with the winner’s trophy after his victory in the individual tournament following the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide golf tournament at Grange Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
While the sport of golf can be equally difficult regardless of the Tour or merely for the course, a win in the sport differs, at least for the Official World Golf Rankings. Though the PGA Tour has been a nemesis of LIV Golf since its initiative, OWGR seems to have gotten more reasons to be hated by LIV golfers and fans. Following their incredible feats this weekend, both Tony Finau and Talor Gooch were applauded by the golf world but only one was approved by the Ranking body.
While Finau won his first PGA Tour event of the season in Mexico, miles away in Southeast Asia, Gooch claimed history with back-to-back wins in LIV Golf’s Singapore event. Though it took great talent in golf for both men to claim victories, they were still treated differently by the OWGR.
Win and OWGR points for Tony Finau, win and no OWGR points for Talor Gooch
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Tony maintained the lead at Mexico Open from the penultimate round. The Samoan golfer’s 24-under-par total score was enough to earn him his first victory of the season. Hours after his 6th PGA Tour victory, Finau climbed up five spots in the OWGR latest list from the 16th rank to 11th.
USA Today via Reuters Nov 13, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Tony Finau celebrates after winning the Cadence Bank Houston Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, his former Tour colleague Talor Gooch, who became the first LIV Golf player to win back-to-back LIV events, was further dropped in the World Rankings. After winning LIV Golf Adelaide last week, the 57th-ranked Talor dropped two positions. However, following his win in Singapore, the in-form player was further dropped to 60th rank.
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The disparity among the players based on their Tours has been a topic of argument. While some agree with OWGR’s treatment of LIV Golf players, others beg to differ. Since the Saudi-funded Tour is Invitational, has smaller field sizes, and is a 54-hole event with no cut-line policy, it doesn’t fall into the ranking criteria.
via Imago LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok – Final Round LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman during the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 9, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Pathum Thani Thailand PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xVachiraxVachirax originalFilename:kalong-notitle221010_npbPL.jpg
While commissioner Greg Norman has voiced support for his golfers, LIV Golf has yet to receive any positive update from the Official World Golf Ranking body. The leagues’ application to receive OWGR points is still under review. Until then, there will be discrimination among the PGA Tour players and LIV golfers when it comes to receiving OWGR points.
But with American Tour’s Invitational events such as Genesis Invitational, also receiving a green light, fans question OWGR’s ignorance towards the lucrative Tour. So what can be done for the Saudi-funded Tour to fall into the criteria?
Will LIV Golf ever earn the OWGR points?
Though the Invitational format may not be the issue for the breakaway Tour, the ranking body does have an issue with its small fields, 54-hole format, and no cut-line policy. But at the end of last year, OWGR approved the application of Gira de Golf Professional de Mexicano, despite being a Tour with a similar 54-hole format.
via Imago SUGAR GROVE, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: LIV Golf CEO and commissioner Greg Norman watches players warm up on the practice range before the start of the second round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago on September 17, 2022 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: SEP 17 LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago Icon220917012
The other question that remains is no cut-line policy. All PGA Tour events, regardless of whether Invitational or not will receive the ranking points due to its cut-line guideline. However, PGA Tour’s chairman Jay Monahan has suggested removing the struggle of golfers making the cut. According to reports, Tour’s elevated events from next season onwards will not be including the cut-line policy.
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So will the PGA Tour still receive OWGR points? Well, in case they do, the ranking governing body will have no other option but to consider LIV Golf too for their criteria, until they start questioning the small fields. At the end of the day, impressive talents such as Talor Gooch must have the same outcome as the PGA Tour winner Tony Finau for their incredible performances.
Is it injustice from OWGR or meaningful? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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