Augusta National Chairman explains decision to award LIV Golf Official World Golf Ranking Points
Photo by Joe Toth/Augusta National/Getty Images In a monumental moment for the Saudi-backed league, LIV Golf were officially awarded World Golf Ranking Points for this season. Ranking points are now allocated to the top-10 finishers in LIV events, meaning players can qualify for major championships, such as The Masters, by consistently performing on the tour. While this was a huge step for LIV, many on the tour were unsatisfied with this decision, as they believe that their events should reward players with more points and be expanded beyond the top 10 finishers.
Representatives from The Masters were on the board that made this decision, and Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley explained it before the 2026 event. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images Augusta National Chairman says LIV Golf still has ‘issues’ Ridley hosted a press conference on the eve of the 90th Masters at Augusta National , and was asked to explain the decision to award LIV Golf OWGR points. He responded in detail, “I wouldn’t say we had any particular influence on it other than the fact that Augusta National does have a seat on the board.
I think what our interest is in that role is making sure that the integrity of the OWGR remains intact. “An underlying certain purpose is to identify the best players in the world through the ranking system, which is very transparent, is very data driven. “As it relates to LIV, the issues involved in LIV getting or not getting ranking points has been public in Trevor Immelman’s letter to LIV a while back.
And several of the issues that were raised have been addressed, which resulted in LIV receiving limited points. “They know what those issues are. Scott O’Neil has a copy of that letter, as I’m sure most of you do as well, and hopefully there will be efforts made to address those issues and allow them to receive more ranking points.
“The purpose of the system is to make sure the best players in the world have an opportunity to play in the best tournaments. ” Given the depth of quality among LIV Golf players, it seems fitting that the top 10 players receive points. The PGA Tour is a much deeper tour in terms of talent so LIV simply shouldn’t be on par.