While LIV Golf’s struggle to secure world ranking points for its tournaments has caused some hesitation among players from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to join, a significant shift is on the horizon. Golfing enthusiasts have expressed concern that the lack of world ranking points for LIV Golf events keeps their players in a false position in global rankings. This has resulted in LIV Golf players finding it challenging to make a significant impact at major tournaments.
Golf stars like Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are among the few who have managed to clinch victory at one of the sport’s four biggest events since making the transition to LIV Golf. Notably, 2023 individual champion, Talor Gooch, only featured in one major tournament in the following year.
However, 2025 brings fresh hope for LIV Golf players with a new pathway being carved out for those at the top of the LIV standings to participate in major tournaments. Bubba Watson, the two-time Masters champion, thinks this isn’t enough. Speaking ahead of the LIV Golf Singapore event, Watson advocated for more opportunities for league players.
“The more chances we get to play in majors, the better it is for us,” he stated. Watson firmly believes that the top 15 players from the LIV points or money list should automatically qualify for all major tournaments. He sees the recent changes as a step in the right direction, a sign that people are recognising the permanence and growth of LIV Golf.
The importance of world ranking points may be declining, but LIV Golf’s fight for recognition and validation continues unabated. They aim to demonstrate their ability to elevate players’ games and help them reach new heights.
Bryson DeChambeau, the 2024 US Open champion, seems to have found this new level. However, his performance in the LIV Golf league during the same year was unremarkable. Brandel Chamblee, a keen observer, pointed out that the average finish of LIV’s top 10 players in 2024 majors was outside the top 40, suggesting they still have a long way to go to establish credibility.
It could be argued that the league needs one of its players to clinch a major title following their transition to LIV Golf. While this is bound to happen sooner or later, it’s more challenging to argue that the league deserves 15 automatic spots at each event, especially when golfers like Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton have yet to win a major.
Regardless, this recent shift indicates a promising future for LIV Golf players. As the sport continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for those within the LIV Golf league.