Global updates on LIV as early as February?

The change in format for LIV golf tournaments (from 54 to 72 holes) could speed up the process for the circuit, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), to earn world ranking points as early as February. This is despite the fact that the next meeting of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is not scheduled until April, after the start of the 2026 LIV season.

According to Trevor Immelman, chairman of the OWGR board, hopes of finally securing world ranking points for LIV Golf have skyrocketed. When asked about the situation, the 2008 Masters champion acknowledged that LIV had made efforts that were a step in the right direction.

Liv, statements

“They have changed their format from 54 to 72 holes, they are going to increase their field of players in the tournaments. Yes, that is all going in the right direction. We will talk to them again to see how we can best work together.” “

The South African is careful not to announce yet that world ranking points will be awarded on the LIV Golf circuit during the first tournaments of 2026. Especially as the first leg of the tour is quickly approaching. It is scheduled for the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia from February 4 to 7 (over four rounds). And the next major working meeting of the OWGR is scheduled for the week of the Masters 2026 in April.

But all signs are positive for the process to speed up. This is especially clear in Trevor Immelman’s communication. “We are in constant dialogue with the LIV. And everything is done in an excellent spirit. Scott O’Neil (the head of LIV Golf) is passionate about his competition. We will see what happens in the near future, even though no decision has been made yet.”

The OWGR evaluation follows a rigorous process that takes into account factors such as the structure of the competitions (number of rounds, field size, promotion and relegation criteria, etc.). The OWGR therefore examines the LIV’s application for the award of these coveted points according to the usual criteria of fairness and consistency.

These world ranking points are essential for automatic qualification for major tournaments, among other things. Without these points, many players are left to rely on wildcards or special criteria, which jeopardizes their long-term careers.

Victor Perez, one of LIV’s newest recruits, is currently ranked 129th in the world. Without points in the world rankings on the LIV, his participation in major tournaments is likely to be very unlikely. The highest-ranked LIV players in the OWGR are Tyrrell Hatton, 20th, and Bryson DeChambeau, 27th. Jon Rahm, the best player of 2025 on the circuit, is only 82nd in the world…