LIV Golf Stars Miss Out on Majors Due to OWGR Recognition Issue: Mickelson Suggests 72-Hole Tournaments

LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league that has been making waves in the world of golf since its launch in 2022, is facing a major hurdle in its quest for recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). This lack of recognition is causing some of the league’s biggest stars to miss out on the majors, as OWGR points are needed for golfers to climb up the rankings and automatically qualify for the prestigious tournaments.

The likes of Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm have suggested that LIV Golf should consider introducing 72-hole tournaments to help resolve the OWGR issue. Mickelson, a vocal supporter of the breakaway league, believes that the move to 72 holes could benefit the players and the fans alike. However, LIV Golf’s Talor Gooch is adamant about sticking to the current 54-hole format, arguing that it is more exciting for the fans.

Despite the ongoing talks between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia for a potential merger, a deal has yet to be agreed upon. LIV Golf’s CEO Greg Norman has been working tirelessly to secure recognition from the OWGR, but the board has cited technical reasons for not making the league eligible for ranking points.

As a result, several big-name superstars like Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood are set to miss out on competing in some of the game’s biggest tournaments this year. The future of LIV Golf remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the battle for recognition from the OWGR is far from over. Fans will have to wait and see how this saga unfolds in the coming months.