The LIV Golf league, backed by Saudi funding and led by Greg Norman, has decided to withdraw its application for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking. The league, which launched with 48 players competing over 54 holes without a cut, first applied for world ranking points in July 2022. However, the OWGR board rejected the application last October, citing difficulties in fairly measuring a league with the same group of players against other tours worldwide.
Norman expressed disappointment in the OWGR's lack of cooperation, stating that despite efforts to advocate for the players, the ranking system did not accommodate LIV Golf's format. The rejection has implications for major tournaments and the Olympics, where world ranking points determine eligibility.
With only a few players in the top 50 and 100, LIV Golf faces challenges in gaining recognition and attracting top talent. The league's current roster of 54 players includes a mix of established names and newcomers, with limited opportunities for advancement within the existing ranking system.
Meanwhile, golfer Anthony Kim made a comeback after 12 years, sparking nostalgia among players like Scottie Scheffler, who recalled Kim's influence on his early golfing days. Kim's return to the sport has garnered attention, with Scheffler acknowledging the impact of Kim's mentorship and advice.
In a separate development, Gary Woodland received the Ben Hogan Award from the Golf Writers Association of America for his resilience following brain surgery. Woodland's return to competitive golf after a challenging medical ordeal has been recognized by the golf community.
On the financial front, comparisons between PGA Tour earnings and LIV Golf payouts highlight the financial stakes for players. Jake Knapp's success on the PGA Tour and Louis Oosthuizen's earnings on LIV Golf underscore the monetary aspects of professional golf.
Lastly, notable achievements and milestones in the golfing world, such as Angela Stanford's LPGA major streak and the USGA's acquisition of Charlie Sifford memorabilia, reflect the diverse narratives within the sport. As the golfing landscape evolves, players and organizations continue to navigate challenges and celebrate successes in the pursuit of excellence.
