Jon Rahm criticizes OWGR policy for LIV Golf, limits only 10 players to earn world ranking points.

Jon Rahm considers the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) decision to award world ranking points only to the top 10 players in each LIV Golf tournament unfair. 

On Tuesday, the OWGR board announced that for the first time, LIV players would receive world ranking points.

However, unlike the other 24 OWGR-sanctioned men's professional tours where all players making the cut receive points, only the top 10 players in LIV events are awarded points.

OWGR explained this restriction is due to several aspects where LIV Golf does not meet the eligibility standards set by OWGR.

Speaking at the LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh, Rahm said the decision is still a positive step.

“It’s fantastic because we are finally recognized,” stated Rahm.

“But I don’t like it because we are not treated the same as other tours.

“It seems the rules that apply to other tours don’t really apply to us, since only 10 people get points.

“That doesn't feel fair. In other tournaments with small fields throughout the year, all players still get full points.”

Rahm believes there are still things that need improvement.

“It’s certainly good for some players, but it could also cause some players to lose world ranking points. Because finishing 11th is like missing the cut, while we still add a divisor.

“But I’m still grateful that LIV Golf is starting to be recognized as a tour, as it should be.”

OWGR also explained other reasons. LIV's average field size in 2026 is projected to be 57 players, while the OWGR minimum requirement is 75 players. 

Additionally, many LIV players are recruited directly, not through an open qualification system like on other tours.

LIV highlighted several other tournaments such as the Hero World Challenge (20 players), Tour Championship (30), BMW Championship (49), and European DP World Tour Championship (52). These tournaments have small fields and no cut, yet all participants still receive world ranking points.

Thomas Detry Shines

On the course, Thomas Detry impressed on his LIV debut. The 33-year-old Belgian Golfer shot a bogey-Free seven-under-par 65 in the first round at Riyadh Golf Club, tying Peter Uihlein at the top of the Standings.

“First day on the job, so it’s a bit of a change for me, so a bit nervous,” said Detry, who joined Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC team.

Rahm and Tyrell Hatton were two shots behind the leaders, while Elvis Smylie was just one shot back. Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia carded four-under-par rounds.

This tournament also marks LIV's format change from 54 holes to 72 holes.(BBC)