Former OWGR Chairman Questions LIV Golf’s Viability, Ranking Bid

Peter Dawson, former chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), stated today that he believes LIV Golf has not proven successful and questions the continued investment in the tour, as the circuit continues its pursuit of world ranking points.

Speaking to Global Golf Post, Dawson, 77, explained why he didn’t believe LIV met the criteria for its tournaments to award ranking points during his tenure. “I was very disappointed that we could not do so with LIV,” he said. “It is self-evident that players on the LIV tour are good enough to be ranked because they were before. But OWGR has a duty to ensure that all of the thousands of players in the system are ranked equitably. Some aspects of the LIV format made that impossible. In my opinion, OWGR made the only decision it could at the time.” Key concerns included LIV’s 54-hole events, the absence of relegation and promotion, and limited field sizes of 54 players.

LIV initially withdrew its application for ranking points in 2024 but resubmitted after implementing some format changes, including a proposed relegation system. However, Dawson believes the fundamental issues remain. He also expressed skepticism about LIV’s overall impact, stating, “I really don’t understand why the PIF [Public Investment Fund] and Saudi Arabia are persisting with it,” adding that the Public Investment Fund’s initiatives supporting the women’s game and golf development within Saudi Arabia are more deserving of praise. The lack of OWGR points impacts players’ eligibility for major championships and other events that rely on the rankings.

Despite Dawson’s concerns, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil remains optimistic about the tour’s future, predicting a “dominant position in global golf.” Recent reports indicate LIV’s international operations have incurred $1.1 billion in losses over its first three seasons, and U.S. television viewership has been underwhelming, even with a broadcasting deal with Fox Sports set to begin in 2025. You can learn more about the structure of the Official World Golf Ranking on their official website.

Dawson indicated he hopes the Public Investment Fund will continue to focus on its successful initiatives within the sport, while LIV’s future remains uncertain as the OWGR continues to review its latest application.