Is this LIV Golf’s plan to gain world ranking points?
LIV Golf have reportedly come up with a plan that will eventually end with them gaining world ranking points.
We already know that from next year the Saudi-backed breakaway league will feature 14 events and a set 48-man field consisting of 12 four-man teams which will remain unchanged for the entirety of the season.
But one of the biggest issues they have is they are not registered with the Official World Golf Ranking, meaning players will plummet down the rankings and – unless otherwise exempt – out of the majors.
One roadblock seems to be that, as an invitational, it will be to justify inclusion due to there being no qualification process.
Well, according to Sports Illustrated, that’s all set to change.
LIV’s plan during the season will be to award points and maintain an Order of Merit style system of their own, with those at the bottom being “relegated”.
The report, citing sources, says that “in October 2023, after the second season is finished and in preparation for the third, LIV Golf will relegate four players and institute its own version of Q-School, called the Promotions event”.
We know what you’re thinking. LIV Golf have signed up a number of players for millions of dollars. What if one of those finishes in the drop zone?
Well, the report confirms that “team captains may be exempt from relegation along with other select players, depending on their contracts and agreements with LIV Golf”.
Ultimately, the plan is to create a clear pathway to play on in the LIV Golf series, as well as ensure the field is refreshed each year.
Wait, there’s more.
Any players out of contract may also lose their playing rights with LIV Golf should they not be extended by their respective teams in a move that mirrors the Formula 1 model.
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Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
