Lee Westwood recently celebrated a significant achievement by breaking into the top 40 at The Open Championship, where he finished tied for 34th place. This success led to a remarkable rise in his position on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), jumping from an astonishing No. 930 to a better rank, bringing him ahead of his son, Sam, who is currently sitting at 2,759th place. However, Westwood harnessed this moment to express his frustrations with the OWGR system, asserting that its method of ranking golfers is flawed, particularly for players in the LIV Golf tour, where he currently competes.
Westwood’s concerns primarily stem from the lack of world ranking points available to LIV golfers. He pointed out that his significant rise in ranking without the corresponding points highlights the inadequacies in the current system. LIV Golf athletes, including Westwood, have been advocating for their events to be recognized in the OWGR, as their ratings play a critical role in eligibility for major tournaments. The league’s previous attempts to gain accreditation in 2022 were denied, leading to the current predicament where LIV players can only earn OWGR points through participation in major championships or international events.
This situation is exemplified by Dustin Johnson, who was once the world’s top golfer for 135 weeks but now finds himself ranked 571st after a lackluster performance at The Open. His drop in rankings since joining LIV Golf illustrates a broader trend affecting many former top players. Currently, only Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton are seated within the top 50 of the OWGR, while other talented golfers, including Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed, face similar disadvantages despite their capable performances on the LIV circuit.
Westwood articulated that the current ranking discrepancies diminish the integrity of major championships, as they attract elite players. His perspective is shared by other LIV Golf participants who consider the absence of world ranking points detrimental to their chances of competing in premier events. Westwood expressed optimism regarding LIV Golf’s ongoing efforts to submit an application for OWGR recognition again, highlighting the need for fairness in rankings.
Tyrrell Hatton, another prominent LIV player, has also vocally supported his peers in gaining credit for their efforts in the league. He emphasized that many players aspire to compete in major tournaments and that finding a more accessible pathway would be beneficial for all involved. Hatton’s remarks reflect a collective desire among LIV golfers to establish their credibility and ensure they have equal opportunities to participate in prestigious events.
In summary, the discussions surrounding OWGR and LIV Golf continue to evolve as players like Westwood and Hatton advocate for better recognition and ranking opportunities. The lack of immediate solutions has caused frustration among LIV athletes, who remain dedicated to proving their skills on the golf course while navigating the complexities of an unbalanced ranking system. As the debate unfolds, the implications for players’ careers and the overall landscape of professional golf hang in the balance.
