GOLF: LIV Golf members experience rise in world rankings

Several LIV Golf players made notable gains in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) this week following the season-opening tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The OWGR confirmed last week that competitors from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit are now eligible to receive ranking points for the first time. However, points are awarded only to players who finish inside the top 10 of each event.

LIV Golf rookie Elvis Smylie of Australia recorded the biggest jump after winning his debut tournament in Riyadh. The 23-year-old surged from 133rd to 77th in the world rankings.

“It’s a by-product of the great work I’m doing with my team and the good golf that I’m playing,” Smylie said. “If I continue to do that, everything will take care of itself. It’s definitely motivating for me as I try to qualify for the Masters.”

Spain’s Jon Rahm, who finished runner-up in Riyadh, climbed from 93rd to 67th. Other LIV Golf players who posted significant improvements included Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz, who rose from 767th to 566th, Abraham Ancer, who moved from 616th to 449th, and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters, who climbed from 564th to 419th.

OWGR points play a crucial role in qualifying for golf’s four major championships. The top 50 players in the rankings released on March 30 will earn invitations to the Masters at Augusta National. The top 60 players ahead of the U.S. Open on May 18 will qualify, while the top 50 before The Open Championship on May 25 will also secure spots.

The OWGR does not offer an official exemption for the PGA Championship, though players ranked inside the top 100 are typically invited.

— Field Level Media/Reuters