The Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour was stunned by American star Brooks Koepka announcing just before Christmas that he will not play in 2026
Brooks Koepka stunned LIV Golf by announcing he was leaving just before Christmas(Image: Getty Images)
LIV Golf is making “progress” to getting awarded world ranking points for their events in welcome good news for the Saudi-backed tour. The breakaway league was rocked just before Christmas when Brooks Koepka quit LIV and will not return in 2026. The five-time Major winner could now return to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour after serving a ban.
But Trevor Immelman, the chairman of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has today given an encouraging update on LIV’s application to be given points for events.
The lack of OWGR points for LIV players has seen them struggle to qualify for the Majors unless they have an existing exemption. But Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion, has suggested a deal could soon be reached for the league founded in 2022.
“Since the end of June, the Governing Board has endeavoured to thoroughly evaluate the LIV Golf application,” said the South African. “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.
READ MORE: Tiger Woods turns 50: History making career, Elvis comparison and return storyREAD MORE: PGA Tour stars make feelings clear on Brooks Koepka return after LIV Golf decision
“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 lack of points can also be an obstacle to persuading young stars to sign although Ulsterman Tom McKibbin, who joined LIV in January, qualified for the Masters and the Open last month by winning the Hong Kong Open.
The chances of a deal between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour seem no closer and both organisations are planning for the future without each other. Greg Norman left LIV last year and has been replaced as the CEO by Scott O’Neil.
Scott O’Neil replaced Greg Norman as the CEO of LIV Golf(Image: Getty Images)
LIV events will be played over 72 holes in 2026 in a change from the original 54-hole format which inspired the name of LIV – 54 in Roman numbers.
But now the OWGR is to adjust points to take into account shorter events with 54-hole events now getting 75% of points.
“In its extensive review of Ranking, the Governing Board determined that events comprised of less than 72 holes needed to be addressed,” said Immelman. “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.”
Bryson DeChambeau is negotiating an extension to his LIV Golf contract(Image: Getty Images)
Koepka announced on December 23 that he would not be honouring the final year of his LIV contract in 2026. The American was one of the first big names to join in 2022 and is one of only two players – along with Bryson DeChambeau – to win a Major while competing in the breakaway league.
DeChambeau has yet to extend his LIV deal and now has a better negotiating position before the new LIV season starts in Riyad in February.
The double Major champion told Flushing It: “With Brooks leaving, it definitely throws in some unique things. And look, I mean, like I’ve said all along, I want to do this, I want to grow team golf across the globe. But it has to be right. And there’s a lot of things that have to be done in order for it to be right, you know? Things have got to change. Things have got to improve.”
