LIV Golf’s campaign for Official World Golf Ranking points delivered its first tangible impact this week, with several players climbing the standings following the season opening event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The OWGR confirmed last week that LIV players would begin receiving ranking points for the first time, though only the top 10 finishers in each event benefit – a restriction that drew mixed reactions from within the league and beyond.
The biggest jump came from Australian rookie Elvis Smylie, who rocketed from 133rd to 77th in the world standings after winning his LIV debut in Riyadh.
“It’s a by product of the great work I’m doing with my team and the good golf that I’m playing,” said the 23 year old.
“If I continue to do that, all that other stuff will take care of itself. But it’s motivating for me to try to get into the (season’s first major) Masters (in April).”
Former World No. 1 Jon Rahm, who finished runner up, climbed from 93rd to 67th, while Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz moved from 767th to 566th, Mexico’s Abraham Ancer from 616th to 449th and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters from 564th to 419th – all making timely gains.
The lone outlier was LIV newcomer Thomas Detry, whose seventh place finish still saw him slip from 62nd to 63rd after he did not defend his PGA Tour title at the WM Phoenix Open.
The OWGR decision marks a milestone for LIV, which has pushed for recognition since its 2022 launch. But the ruling fell short of full parity with the PGA Tour and other major circuits, where points are awarded throughout the field.
Rahm welcomed the progress but did not hide his frustration.
“It’s fantastic that we’re getting points. It’s fantastic that we’re being recognised in a way,” he said. “With that said, I don’t like how we’re not being treated the same as every other tour.”
LIV chief executive officer Scott O’Neil, speaking ahead of this week’s LIV Adelaide event, struck a more diplomatic tone.
“We’re so grateful to be welcomed into the golf family officially,” he said. “To get to that point is a tremendous nod to what LIV Golf has built, is building and where it’s heading.”
He acknowledged the unusual nature of the arrangement, particularly with the PGA Tour commissioner and DP World Tour CEO sitting on the OWGR board.
“Arguably those are two that would have a bit to lose if you have a scarcity mindset,” he said. “But this recognition is a great step forward.”
The stakes are high: world ranking points remain a key pathway into the sport’s four major championships.
The top 50 the week before the Masters (March 30) earn invitations, the top 60 ahead of the US Open (May 18) and the top 50 before the British Open (May 25).
The PGA Championship does not use an official OWGR exemption, but the top 100 are typically invited.
For LIV, the priority is ensuring its players, especially rising talents, remain eligible for golf’s biggest stages.
“Our focus is on making sure these young players, established superstars and core veterans get the opportunity to play on the world’s biggest stage,” chief executive O’Neil said.
With Smylie’s breakthrough and Rahm’s rise, the early signs suggest LIV’s long awaited OWGR recognition may already be reshaping the road to the majors.
Official World Golf Ranking
As of Feb 9, 2026
1. Scottie Scheffler 17.0368
2. Rory McIlroy 8.4060
3. Justin Rose 5.2082
4. Tommy Fleetwood 5.1663
5. Chris Gotterup 4.6581
6. Russell Henley 4.6511
7. J.J. Spaun 4.4682
8. Robert MacIntyre 4.4420
9. Ben Griffin 4.3310
10. Xander Schauffele 4.3155
11. Hideki Matsuyama 4.2486
12. Justin Thomas 4.1819
13. Harris English 3.7517
14. Sepp Straka 3.6276
15. Viktor Hovland 3.6223
16. Alex Noren 3.5581
17. Patrick Reed 3.4857
18. Keegan Bradley 3.4641
19. Collin Morikawa 3.1840
20. Ludvig Aberg 3.1777
21. Cameron Young 3.1551
22. Maverick McNealy 3.0992
23. Matt Fitzpatrick 3.0672
24. Ryan Gerard 2.9594
25. Tyrrell Hatton 2.9534
26. Si Woo Kim 2.8578
27. Aaron Rai 2.6841
28. Sam Burns 2.6284
29. Shane Lowry 2.6172
30. Patrick Cantlay 2.6098
Source: owgr.com
