Worldwide Group captain Trevor Immelman smiles whereas addressing the media in a press convention throughout a observe day for the Presidents Cup golf event at Quail Hole Membership. Picture: Reuters
LONDON:
A choice on whether or not LIV Golf occasions can earn world rating factors may are available in time for the Saudi-backed circuit’s season opener in February, Official World Golf Rating (OWGR) governing board chairman Trevor Immelman mentioned on Friday.
The breakaway tour’s preliminary bid was unanimously rejected by the OWGR in 2023, with a key concern mentioned to be restricted entry for gamers to hitch the competitors.
The difficulty has led to LIV gamers plummeting down the world rankings, with former world primary Dustin Johnson now ranked 637th and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton LIV’s highest-ranked consultant at twentieth.
In June, LIV renewed its pursuit of world rating factors by submitting an utility with the OWGR. It additionally introduced it can develop its event format from 54 to 72 holes in 2026.
Requested if a call may very well be reached earlier than LIV Golf’s 2026 season begins on February 4 in Riyadh, Immelman advised reporters on Friday: “I feel there’s an opportunity …
“Since they resubmitted their utility on the finish of June, we have been all working onerous collectively, making an attempt to get solutions. Making an attempt to determine what they wish to do. They’re making an attempt to determine how their league goes to be evolving.”
In 2025, the sector for LIV Golf’s tournaments consisted of 13 four-man groups and two everlasting wild card spots for a complete of 54 gamers – far fewer than the variety of golfers that compete at customary PGA Tour occasions.
“They will be rising their area just a little bit, it seems from what I have been advised, and will probably develop even additional in years to return,” mentioned 2008 Masters champion Immelman.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf had appeared near finalising the framework settlement that was introduced in June 2023 however a deal to finish golf’s civil battle now not appears imminent.
