GOLF.AI • Feb 11, 2026

LIV's Unfair OWGR Peace Offering

While LIV Golf's recent inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system was initially seen as a major breakthrough, the celebration has been muted by a wave of discontent from its biggest stars. Major champions Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia have publicly criticized the new points system, which only awards points to top-10 finishers, labeling it "unfair" and inequitable compared to other professional tours.

The pushback is no longer about gaining legitimacy, but about the frustrating terms of that legitimacy. Jon Rahm, despite jumping 26 spots to 67th after his runner-up finish in Riyadh, has been the most vocal critic. "I don't like how we're not being treated the same as every other tour," he stated, pointing out that other small-field events award points to all participants. Veteran Sergio Garcia echoed this frustration, expressing his hope that the system would be "expanded a little bit farther as we probably think it should."

Adding another layer of complexity is internal skepticism about the league's direction. Bryson DeChambeau expressed indifference toward LIV's recent format change to 72 holes, a move made to appease the OWGR, stating it's "away from what we had initially been told." This hints at a broader dissatisfaction with the league's chase for establishment approval.

The current points allocation creates massive volatility. While Riyadh winner Elvis Smylie rocketed from 133rd to 77th and Abraham Ancer jumped over 160 spots, the all-or-nothing system has left many of the tour's stars feeling like they are in a new form of professional purgatory.