Has Scott O’Neil convinced OWGR to authorize LIV Golf events? For the last three years, there has been a constant debate over whether LIV Golf players should get OWGR points or not. Under Greg Norman, the PIF-funded league did put in an application, but they were met with a letter of rejection from the then-chairman, Peter Dawson, in October 2023. Ultimately, Norman withdrew LIV Golf’s OWGR application in May 2024, breaking the promise he made to his players to get the league authorized. From that point on, LIV Golf has not reapplied for OWGR. At least that’s what the new official rankings chairman, Trevor Immelman, has claimed, as opposed to Sportico claiming LIV and OWGR are in “serious discussion.”
Immelman sat in the OWGR chair only three weeks ago. During this period, Immelman has interacted with Scott O’Neil a few times. “I have enjoyed getting to know Scott O’Neil over the last few months. We’ve spoken on the phone a couple of times. We met in person at the Masters, just really introduction stuff. We’re in the same position we have been without any application from their side,” he said, speaking about the progress LIV Golf and OWGR have made.
Flushing It also confirmed, saying, “LIV Golf are clearly serious about fixing issues with their pathways and players would definitely like to start gaining OWGR points and easier access to majors. I would expect a formal application soon once these modifications to the format have been officially announced.” Further defining their progression pathways to ensure more new golfers get the opportunity to play in LIV Golf is the next challenge for O’Neil.
Apparently, another application is yet to come through from O’Neil’s office in London. As the man who beat Tiger Woods in the 2008 Masters said, “They have not put any application in. Whether that happens or not, I guess time will tell.” Awaiting an approach from LIV Golf, he also added, “Our process is not to go chasing tours. We have an open-door policy. Whoever wants to apply is more than welcome. There isn’t any pressure from our side. We allow these tours to figure out what their best strategy is. The ball is in their court.” Reading this, it seems that LIV Golf players are closing in on getting their efforts recognized by the official rankings. What O’Neil does next is yet to be seen.
Trevor Immelman has spoken on the situation with LIV Golf and OWGR points in an interview with Doug Ferguson:
“They have not put any application in. Whether that happens or not, I guess time will tell.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Scott O’Neil over the last few months. We’ve… https://t.co/ok1sa6WU45
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) May 1, 2025
What was the reason behind the rejection in October 2023? It couldn’t be the 54-hole format as OWGR themselves debunked it by including the Tartan Pro Tour in May 2024. Interestingly, the reason Dawson gave back then was that the restrictive field with a locked-in 48 field format (Back in 2023) and very limited options for players to qualify for the league hindered LIV Golf’s chances. After this, Norman acted quickly.
He hosted the LIV Golf Promotions event at the end of that year and saw three new players join the rankings with Bryson DeChambeau & Co. for the 2024 season. They also capitalized by hiring a star player in Jon Rahm and letting him build a team. LIV Golf also gave two wild-card spots as replacements for players who get injured throughout the season. LIV Golf was on the uprise, but Greg Norman still had a bitter taste in his mouth, which ultimately led to his application WD.
However, the internet reacted strongly to what the new OWGR Chairman had to say. They tried to give Trevor Immelman a reality check in the comments section.
Netizens left fuming as OWGR Chairman overlooks Scott O’Neil’s efforts
Trevor Immelman has presented one side of the story to the golf world. But the reality might be a lot different than the way he portrayed it. Speaking about the importance of the OWGR points, one fan said, “Only relevance of OWGR is as a path to the majors. LIV is getting paths to majors without OWGR. If that keeps happening, OWGR needs LIV more than LIV needs OWGR.” They believe that when it comes to LIV Golf, OWGR doesn’t add any value besides giving its top players access to the majors. As the USGA and the R&A have already opened those gates for LIV Golfers, the relevance of the OWGR system for LIV Golf players drops even further. But having so many amazing golfers miss out on the top golf rankings is only damaging the authenticity of the OWGR instead.
Despite the new chairman’s statement, some believe that LIV Golf needs to make the changes requested by the OWGR before considering applying. They tweeted, “Without changes to the OWGR why bother applying. They have LIV golfers rated so low, they would never make it to the ranking they deserve.” The fan also reflected on how players like Phil Mickelson have been pushed down to career-low golf rankings and have a very slim chance of making up points to rise to the top again. So the points system becomes irrelevant to them.
Someone has also put the blame solely on Immelman and OWGR. They state, “OWGR should be the one to change. Their charge is to rank the best golfers in the world. Having no LIV rankings is not doing their job. They could heavily deduct for the format, but not including looks horrible. I understand they pulled their original app, but we all know what is going on.” Not having Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann, & Co. get the opportunity to rise the world rankings is criminal. Especially when they have been playing well over the past couple of years.
Anything that Trevor Immelman stated might be completely irrelevant to the LIV Golf CEO. As someone mentioned, “O’Neil said 3 months ago LIV wasn’t pursuing points. Not surprised this was smoke & mirror rumors.” Expecting the Saudi-based promotion to put in an application for OWGR points might be unreasonable, considering that they are not interested in the same. But the question remains: how will the players qualify for the majors if not through golf rankings?
There is a general belief that anything bad happening to LIV Golf involves Jay Monahan somehow. One of the fans enforced that thought by commenting, “Just shows the mentality of not carrying out their charter. I don’t see any great reform here unless a deal is done. The PGAT are still using it as one of their few levers.”
Should LIV be reapplying for OWGR? What do you think?
The post Golf Fans Lose Temper at OWGR as Scott O’Neil’s Actions Come to Light Amid Majors: ‘OWGR Needs LIV’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.