LIV Golf finally won its years-long battle to secure Official World Golf Ranking points.
But it doesn’t feel like a victory. LIV had to sell its soul to secure OWGR recognition, moving away from the 54-hole format that gave the tour its name to a 72-hole format.
Advertisement
And even after getting points, some on LIV feel like the tour isn’t getting the respect it deserves. Only the top 10 finishes in LIV events earn OWGR points, which players like Jon Rahm have criticized.
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau said that playing 72 holes wasn’t what he had signed up for, so none of the league’s stars are happy. And now LIV’s CEO Scott O’Neil has weighed in on the decision, explaining the impact the PGA Tour had on the decision.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Scott O’Neil reacts to OWGR’s LIV Golf verdict
Speaking before LIV Adelaide, O’Neil was asked about OWGR’s decision to only give points to the top 10 finishes at LIV events.
Advertisement
But instead of criticizing the move, he explained that it wouldn’t have been possible without the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, who, against their own interests, allowed LIV to become eligible for points.
O’Neil said, “We’re so grateful to be welcomed into the golf family officially. That’s first and foremost. It’s very nice, especially you have a board with two – the commissioner of the PGA TOUR is on the board and the CEO of the European Tour is on the board.
“Arguably those are two that would have a bit to lose if you have a scarcity mindset, if you will, by our being recognized publicly. So to be able to get to that point, what a tremendous nod to what LIV Golf has built, is building, and where it’s heading in the future.
“They’re led by Trevor Immelman, the chairman, a former Masters champion, South African great, their favorite son. He’s been a wonderful leader and champion in the face of quite a bit of difficulty and scrutiny, and I think he’s done an extraordinary job in pulling the board together.
Advertisement
“For us, though, world ranking points, we’re a nice recognition and a great step forward, and our focus is on making sure that as many of these young talented players that we have and these established superstars and these kind of solid-core veterans get the opportunity to play on the world’s biggest stage, and that’s the four majors.
He was then asked whether he’ll be pushing for more players to earn points per LIV event, and O’Neil responded, “I’ve learned over time that sometimes the best negotiations are behind the scenes and not in front of the cameras.
“So we’re just at this point, just publicly really grateful for where we are.”
Diplomatic and gracious from O’Neil, who clearly owes a lot to some big names in the golfing world for the fact that LIV has gotten to this point. But based on those final comments, it seems the negotiations are far from complete.
Advertisement
How LIV changes affect Bryson DeChambeau’s future
DeChambeau’s future is now the major storyline of the LIV season. He’s contracted to the tour until the end of this season, and was expected to have signed a new deal by now. But as it stands, he’ll be entering 2027 as a free agent.
His reaction to the change of format wouldn’t have done anything to settle O’Neil’s nerves. The two time major winner said to Today’s Golfer, “It’s definitely changed away from what we had initially been told it was going to be.”
He also told the Mirror US, “So there is some movement that we’ve all been, I would say, interested in, and going, ‘why that movement?’ Because we were told it was going to be this. So that’s definitely made us have some different thoughts about it….
Advertisement
“I’ve got a contract for this year, and we’ll go through it there and see what happens after that. Look, it’s 72 holes, it’s changed, but we’re still excited to play professionally and play for what we’re doing and go across the world.
“Hopefully it weighs positively on me over the course of time, but you never know. I’m not sure. We didn’t sign up to play for 72.”
DeChambeau is likely concerned about his immensely popular YouTube channel, which he invests significant effort in. He now has one less day to film content, which he didn’t expect when he first signed for LIV.
He said he’d be happy to leave professional golf and do YouTube full time, so it will be interesting to see what the year holds for him.
Read the full article here