Jon Rahm calls out World Rankings again, dubs it ‘wrong’ to snub LIV Golf
Jon Rahm has spoken out against the current state of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The Spaniard called out the ranking system as LIV Golf is yet to acquire OWGR accreditation. It is pertinent to note that LIV events have been held without points on offer since 2022 and several of its players, including former World No.1 Rahm, have continually fallen in the rankings table.
Rahm, who sits 31st in the world rankings, criticized the points system ahead of the DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic outing. The former Masters champion stated that he’d expressed his opinions on the system before he joined LIV, however, little has changed since. The 30-year-old golfer called it ‘wrong that OWGR is not giving LIV World Ranking points and the “credibility it deserves.” The European star admitted that he was frustrated by the situation.
Jon Rahm said from the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, as quoted by ASAP Sports:
“I think I've expressed my opinions on the World Ranking system before I joined LIV. But they told us -- they told me early on, I think even before I signed in the early conversations, that they were not going to pursue those discussions to the same level because they knew where it was directed. I think at this point to not give LIV World Ranking points and the credibility it deserves, I think is wrong.”
Jon Rahm wants LIV Golfers to have a 'way' to major championships
Jon Rahm addressed the cases of players like Joaquin Niemann and Talor Gooch who performed extra-ordinarily to deserve major championship spots while playing on LIV Golf in recent years. He said that players like them should continue to get direct access to the competitions, without waiting for invites.
The former Ryder Cup star reiterated that players from the breakaway tour should have a “way” to qualify for major championships.
The Spaniard said on Monday:
“Listen, I understand we've all made a decision and it's not as easy as it sounds but to say that LIV players don't deserve some spots in major championships, I think is wrong and I hope that evolves into what it should be, right… There should be a way for us to qualify. And the World Ranking points, need to figure something out because it's not fair for anybody in that sense.”
It is pertinent to note that Rahm’s 2023 Masters win ensures him exemptions into the PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship for the next four years. The golfer is currently pleading for his colleagues’ entry to Augusta National and other prestigious contests.
It is also noteworthy that Jon Rahm, teeing up in Dubai this week for the first time, has expressed his wish to compete in the upcoming Ryder Cup in Bethpage. He is currently waiting on the result of an appeal against a fine and suspension handed to him by the DP World Tour for his controversial association with LIV Golf.