News from the Official World Golf Ranking (OGWR) and LIV Golf was announced on the same morning. The news from LIV Golf is that they will expand their field from 54 to 57 players in 2026. On the ORWR front, they will now offer discounted world ranking points for events with fewer than 72 holes.
This could be partially related because LIV Golf has expressed interest in receiving world ranking points. OGWR is considering that, and that is why these two news stories might be related to each other.
Here is what Trevor Immelman, the OGWR chairman, said in a press release. “Since the end of June, the Governing Board has endeavored to thoroughly evaluate the LIV Golf application. We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission, which requires honoring the meritocracy woven into the professional game.”
“As such, discussions have been regular and remain ongoing. To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time. We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve to ensure its application is handled with fairness, integrity, and consistency, as stated previously.”
The progress of the LIV Golf is not insignificant, as the league decided to shift its events to 72 holes. They will start that from 2026. It will be in alignment with the most pro tours that get OGWR points. The league has also expanded access to its $25 million events.
On December 30, LIV Golf announced that it would be adding three extra slots in the form of a wild card. It will be coming from the next month’s LIV Golf Promotions event held in Florida. From that event, 80 competitors will be narrowed to three. Those 3 will earn a full season of starts, playing for themselves and not for franchises.
With the inclusion of this pathway, LIV Golf is now leaning in the OGWR’s direction. It is one of the main policies of OGWR towards tours that it awards points to.
However, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough for LIV Golf. For much of 2025, LIV Golf believed that it would receive points by the year’s end.
On the same morning, OGWR also announced news. They announced that 54-hole tournaments will receive 75% of the world ranking points awarded to 72-hole events. It is also said that shortened tournaments with 36-holes will also receive 50% of the original amount.
