Rarely do we witness a PGA Tour professional aligning with the CEO of LIV Golf, but recent events have brought Greg Norman’s ongoing dispute with the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) back into the spotlight.
Norman’s grievances stem from the OWGR’s refusal to allocate points to the Saudi circuit, impacting the world rankings of LIV golfers and their access to prestigious events like the majors.
Recently, Norman renewed his criticism of the ranking system, drawing both attention and support from an unexpected source – a PGA Tour pro. This 32-year-old golfer shed light on the challenges faced by players in qualifying for major tournaments under the current OWGR system.
🚨🦈😡 #NEW: LIV CEO Greg Norman takes to social media to express his displeasure with the current state of the world rankings: “Laughable. LIV would have 2 players in the top 50 OWGR if you exclude recent signees!” pic.twitter.com/qPHbYghR49
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 19, 2024
The desire to attain a deserving ranking and compete in the majors is universal among golfers. While it’s acknowledged that LIV golfers face obstacles on this path, PGA Tour professionals aren’t immune either.
Byeong Hun An, a PGA Tour Pro, echoed Norman’s frustrations by sharing his own struggles with qualification despite high rankings in other systems.
An took to social media to express his dismay, citing his top 30 positions in alternative rankings yet remaining ineligible for certain majors.
Despite his standings in various rankings – 31st in Universal Golf Rankings, 18th in Sports Illustrated Rankings, and 30th in Data Golf – An finds himself at 43rd in the OWGR, potentially affecting his participation in the upcoming Masters.
Norman’s recent remarks spurred An to vocalize his own dissatisfaction with the OWGR, joining a chorus of discontent that includes Jon Rahm and other LIV Golf players.
Speculation arose regarding An’s possible transition to LIV Golf, given his empathy towards the CEO’s plight and shared frustrations. However, An swiftly dispelled these rumors, affirming his commitment to the PGA Tour.
His response underscores the shared challenges faced by players across different circuits under the OWGR system. With potential changes on the horizon amidst ongoing discussions about mergers, the golfing community anticipates further developments in the ranking landscape.
