Jon Rahm has spoken out against the current state of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The Spaniard called out the ranking system as LIV Golf is yet to acquire OWGR accreditation. It is pertinent to note that LIV events have been held without points on offer since 2022 and several of its players, including former World No.1 Rahm, have continually fallen in the rankings table.
Rahm, who sits 31st in the world rankings, criticized the points system ahead of the DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic outing. The former Masters champion stated that he’d expressed his opinions on the system before he joined LIV, however, little has changed since. The 30-year-old golfer called it ‘wrong that OWGR is not giving LIV World Ranking points and the “credibility it deserves.” The European star admitted that he was frustrated by the situation.
Jon Rahm said from the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, as quoted by ASAP Sports:
“I think I’ve expressed my opinions on the World Ranking system before I joined LIV. But they told us — they told me early on, I think even before I signed in the early conversations, that they were not going to pursue those discussions to the same level because they knew where it was directed. I think at this point to not give LIV World Ranking points and the credibility it deserves, I think is wrong.”
Rahm’s message to LIV Golfers is it should have a ‘way’ to major championships
Regarding Niemann and Gooch or other players, Jon Rahm pointed out that both always delivered great performances and deserve their place in a major championship but have been playing for LIV Golf over the past year. That is why he said that they and other players of the like should be able to get direct admission into the competitions, without consequences of waiting for invites.
The former Ryder Cup star repeated himself that players from the breakaway tour should have a ‘way’ of qualifying for major championships.
The Spaniard said on Monday:
“Listen, I understand we’ve all made a decision and it’s not as easy as it sounds but to say that LIV players don’t deserve some spots in major championships, I think is wrong and I hope that evolves into what it should be, right… There should be a way for us to qualify. And the World Ranking points, need to figure something out because it’s not fair for anybody in that sense.”
It should also be noted that Rahm’s 2023 Masters triumph entitles him to PGA Championship, US Open, Open Championship for the next four years. The golfer is today begging for his compatriots to be allowed entry to Augusta National and other related games.
It is also worrisome that Jon Rahm, is teeing up in Dubai this week for the first time he want’s to compete in the forth coming Ryder Cup in Bethpage. He is still suspended by the DP World Tour while awaiting a verdict in an appeal against a fine and suspension over his involvement with LIV Golf.