Jon Rahm Challenges Golf's World Ranking System Following LIV Golf's Decision
Jon Rahm, the former world No. 1, voiced his concerns about the golf world ranking system on Wednesday. His comments came shortly after LIV Golf announced the end of their pursuit to grant points to players like Rahm in their events.
Former world No. 1 Jon Rahm expressed his dissatisfaction with golf's world ranking system. This comes after LIV Golf decided to withdraw its proposal for players, including Rahm, to earn points from participating in its events.
LIV Golf's commissioner and CEO, Greg Norman, shared the news in a letter addressed to the tour's members. The official announcement marks the end of the Saudi-backed circuit's efforts to be included in the Official Golf World Rankings. In October last year, the OWGR unanimously turned down their request to be part of the rankings.
Norman explained in his letter on Tuesday that we have been working hard to advocate for you and make sure that your achievements are acknowledged in the current ranking system. However, he also mentioned that the OWGR has not been very cooperative in collaborating with us.
Norman at LIV Golf's Las Vegas event in February.
Norman at LIV Golf's Las Vegas event in February.
After LIV Golf's 54-hole, no cut format was rejected in October, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson expressed concerns. He mentioned that allowing players to earn points at its events would not be fair to the 24 eligible tours.
All four of the men's major championships use world ranking points as a way to qualify players, though the specific criteria may vary. The Masters, which kicks off the season next month, gives automatic invitations to players who were ranked in the top 50 in the world the previous year or in the week leading up to the tournament.
Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, enjoyed a few weeks as the world No. 1 following his victory at Augusta National last year.
Since becoming a member of LIV Golf in December, when he was ranked world No. 3, the 29-year-old is now the highest-ranked player from the tour among the top 50 players, alongside Tyrell Hatton (17), Brooks Koepka (30), and Cameron Smith (50).
Rahm reiterated his criticism of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) during the 2022 DP World Tour Championship. He continued to express his disapproval before the upcoming LIV Golf event in Hong Kong. "I didn't like the system before, and the more time passes, the more it seems flawed," he told reporters on Wednesday.
CNN has contacted the OWGR offering the organization the opportunity to comment.
‘I don’t know what game you’re watching’
Rahm praised Joaquin Niemann's recent performances, noting his win at LIV Golf-Jeddah in Saudi Arabia last week, making it two victories in the tour's first three events this year.
Despite being ranked 76th in the world, the Chilean had been competing on the DP World Tour in hopes of gaining enough ranking points to qualify for The Masters. Surprisingly, his goal was achieved when he received a special invitation to play in the 88th edition of the tournament last month.
Rahm, who automatically qualifies for The Masters as a previous champion, expressed his strong belief in Joaco Niemann's talent. He stated, "If anybody in this world doesn’t think Joaco deserves to be in the top 10 or doesn’t know that he’s a top player in the world, I don’t know what game you’re watching."
According to Rahm, anyone who watches golf can easily recognize the best players in the world. He added, "I think anybody who watches golf can tell who the best players in the world are, and obviously I don’t think the ranking is reflective of that right now to its entirety."
"I'm thrilled that Joaco is receiving invitations," Rahm expressed. "He has demonstrated a strong desire to qualify through various methods and has consistently played excellently. I believe it is well-deserved."
Niemann has been dominant on the LIV Golf circuit this year.
Niemann has been dominant on the LIV Golf circuit this year.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
Viktor Hovland, currently ranked World No.4, expressed his concern about the devaluation of the ranking system. He mentioned that the inability for top players to earn points is a major factor contributing to this issue. This week, the Norwegian golfer joined a number of PGA Tour stars in discussing the matter.
Rankings shouldn't be considered as absolute truths, according to the Norwegian player who spoke to reporters before the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida. With many talented players not receiving ranking points, the value of these rankings is definitely diminished.
I come out here not to boost my world ranking, but simply to win the tournament. American golfers Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris gladly accepted Niemann’s invitation to The Masters.
“I think that’s very well deserved,” Schauffele, world No.5, told reporters Tuesday.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 18: Joaquin Niemann of Chile plays his second shot on the 10th hole during Round One of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 18, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Joaquin Niemann from Chile was spotted playing his second shot on the 10th hole during Round One of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 18, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A photo taken by Warren Little/Getty Images captures the moment.
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I haven't read much about it, to be honest. It looks like there is a disagreement about giving World Ranking points to the LIV Golf Invitational. I'm not sure why they decided to withdraw their application, but that's the situation.
World No. 34 Zalatoris also mentioned, "Look at what Joaquin has achieved this year... he has been playing some excellent golf."
Our ultimate goal right now is to have the best players in the world compete every week. This week is special because we have the top players on the PGA Tour who are truly passionate about the game. As for the future, only time will tell how things unfold.
I don't have a solution for the current situation. Some players have shared their thoughts on it, but I prefer not to get involved in that. The situation is definitely intriguing at the moment, and I'll just leave it at that.
Editor's P/S:
The ongoing dispute between LIV Golf and the Official Golf World Rankings (OWGR) has reignited debates about the fairness and accuracy of the ranking system. Jon Rahm's criticism of the OWGR, along with concerns raised by other top players like Viktor Hovland, highlights the growing dissatisfaction with a system that currently excludes LIV Golfers from earning ranking points. This exclusion raises questions about the credibility of the rankings and whether they truly reflect the best players in the world.
Rahm's praise for Joaquin Niemann's recent performances and his belief that Niemann deserves to be ranked among the top players further underscores the perceived flaws in the OWGR. The fact that Niemann, despite his success on the LIV Golf circuit, is ranked 76th in the world raises concerns about the system's ability to accurately assess player performance. Ultimately, the resolution of this dispute will have a significant impact on the future of professional golf and the perceived legitimacy of the OWGR as a measure of player skill.
