The Official World Golf Ranking is making a significant change to how it awards points to events less than 72 holes -- scheduled or otherwise -- heading into 2026.
But the governing body for golf's primary ranking system has not yet decided if they will recognize new-look LIV Golf events.
In a New Year's Eve Eve announcement, the OWGR Governing Board announced they will change how they rate and treat professional events that are completed in less than 72 holes.
All scheduled 54-hole events on OWGR-recognized tours will now receive 75 percent of the original calculated field rating and ranking-points distribution. The same will also be true for events scheduled to go 72 holes but are reduced to 54 holes for any reason.
Also, scheduled 72-hole and 54-hole events that are reduced to 36 holes for any reason will now receive 50 percent of the original calculated field rating and ranking-points distribution.
“In its extensive review of ranking, the Governing Board determined that events comprised of less than 72 holes needed to be addressed,” said Trevor Immelman, chairman of the OWGR Governing Board. “Adjustments are always made following careful consideration, and the OWGR will continue to monitor ways in which it can update and enhance the operation of the ranking in its pursuit of fulfilling its mission.”
As it relates to LIV Golf, the OWGR is still considering their application for event recognition, what was re-submitted in June.
“Since the end of June, the Governing Board has endeavoured to thoroughly evaluate the LIV Golf application," said Immelman.
"We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission, which requires honouring 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.”
LIV Golf has announced several changes to their individual events heading into 2026, including an expansion from 54 to 72 holes and an expansion of the number of players from 54 to 57. These changes follow on from other changes, including now promoting the top two players in the Asian Tour's International Series Order of Merit that are not already eligible to the LIV Golf League, an increase of a spot and eliminating the possibility of an existing LIV Golf player blocking an Asian Tour player's path to the Saudi-owned league.
Additionally, LIV Golf is increasing to three the number of spots available through its year-starting Promotions event in Florida. The league has previously announced two spots were available but ticked up that tally to three.
In 2026, LIV Golf will have 13 teams of four players and five unaffiliated wild-card players.
