In his latest ardent defence of LIV Golf, Greg Norman has written to each of his players questioning the “fairness”, “accuracy” and “impartially” of the Official World Golf Rankings as his league’s failure to receive points accreditation lingers on.
LIV has been unable to offer any OWGR points within its first three events, causing each of its defectors to slump in rankings after just two months. Commissioner Norman, though, is adamant this needs to change to uphold the integrity of the sport.
“By any fair, objective, and impartial review, LIV players should be included in the awarded OWGR points system in the near future,” Norman wrote. “Without LIV’s inclusion, the integrity and accuracy of the rankings are severely compromised.
The letter also explains LIV applied for OWGR inclusion in early July, a process which is still under review. Per OWGR guidelines, however, events must include a cut line and have a minimum of 75 players to meet approval – two elements LIV continues to lack.
Despite this, Norman believes LIV’s strength of field must outweigh such obstacles, a factor which could prove pivotal should the league take the OWGR to court over the matter.
“In view of LIV Golf’s unprecedented strength of field for a tour in its infancy, we have urged that OWGR gain comfort with LIV Golf’s status, because it is plainly in the best interests of the OWGR, players, and the game to do so.” Norman continued in the memo obtained by ESPN.
“Anything less, in our judgment, would reflect an abdication of the OWGR Governing Board’s responsibilities as the leading standard-setting and ratings organisation in golf.”
To further emphasise the point, Norman then took aim at the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, suggesting the first three LIV events eclipsed the strength of field produced in his rival tour’s tournaments during those weeks – an indirect stab at the John Deere Classic and the Hero Open.
“The proportion of leading players in the world competing on the LIV series means that, despite smaller fields than some existing tour events and those that took place opposite the LIV invitational events, the [strength of field] remains highly competitive and among the top few in the industry,” he argued.
“Should this continue much longer, the rankings will become even more inaccurate and marginalised, with many of the LIV Golf players having lower rankings than they are rightfully entitled to, as well as non-LIV Golf players enjoying falsely enhanced rankings.
“Simply put, it will be impossible to consider the OWGR ratings accurate or even relevant if OWGR persists in omitting 48 of the best golfers in the world.”
- NOW READ: How far have LIV Golf players fallen in OWGR?
- AND: Norman trolls PGA Tour with shameless video
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George Cooper
