LIV Golf Stars Criticize World Ranking System Following Major Event

Lee Westwood, a former World No. 1 and LIV Golf player, has strongly criticized the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system, calling it a 'mockery' due to its failure to properly recognize LIV Golf events. After a tie for 34th at The Open Championship, Westwood jumped 3,759 spots in the rankings, moving ahead of his son, which he cited as evidence of the system's flaws. LIV Golf players currently earn ranking points only through majors and international tours, causing many, including top players like Dustin Johnson, to plummet in rankings despite their abilities. LIV Golf recently reapplied for OWGR recognition after being denied in 2022, with CEO Scott O'Neil confirming the application is under review. Westwood emphasized that without OWGR points for LIV events, major championships may need to revise their qualification criteria to include LIV players, though a unified system is preferred. Other prominent golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton, also highlighted the disruption and inequities caused by the current ranking setup.