John Rahm confirms LIV Golf to introduce ruthless | Golf News

LIV Golf has been pushing for inclusion in the Official World Golf Rankings since launching in 2022, and Jon Rahm has confirmed that additional steps are being taken to secure acceptance. But they’ll come with more jeopordy for the gamers.

The circuit has submitted two purposes to be part of the OWGR, with the initial request rejected and a second attempt made this yr under newly appointed CEO Scott O’Neil. Approval stays elusive, and a latest update indicated that “discussions have been regular and remain ongoing,” offering little concrete progress for the league.

Rahm made the change to the Saudi-funded tour in December 2023, bringing with him an spectacular resume that contains top-five showings at the Masters and PGA Championship in 2018, a US Open victory in 2021, and a Masters triumph in 2023. Speaking about LIV Golf‘s prospects for incomes OWGR factors, Rahm revealed that extra gamers will probably be cut as half of efforts to fulfill OWGR standards.

“I mean, if it were to happen, because I can’t guarantee anything,” Rahm said on the SubPar podcast. “At this point, I think it’s going to happen, but it would be nice to have them sooner than later obviously. Before the majors start so it gives the chance for some people to earn world ranking points.”

LIV Golf has confronted substantial backlash over its restricted routes for gamers to accumulate rating factors and set up credibility, significantly highlighted when Henrik Stenson misplaced his captaincy while still competing.

The circuit might now be contemplating dropping roughly 20% of its roster this season in an effort to meet OWGR requirements and create more alternatives for development.

With the sphere increasing to 57 rivals and three top performers set to secure spots through the LIV Golf Promotions event, the quantity of gamers at risk of being cut may doubtlessly double.

“It’s my understanding all of that was a part of it,” Rahm added. “Pathways into the league, so you have people going through The International Series and people going through the Promotions, which is qualifying sort of like Q School. And then more people getting relegated.

“So I believe we’re going up to 57 gamers and I believe 10 or 11 are getting relegated. So 20% mainly or just under. So, I believe that’s a lot of the necessities for it to make sense.”

Such a shift would benefit rising expertise, as rivals on the Asian Tour’s International Series may gain enhanced alternatives for development.

Additional routes into the main circuit may also unlock OWGR recognition and computerized major championship qualification, offering stronger incentives for gamers to be part of the league.