After finishing runner-up at LIV Golf Valderrama, Jon Rahm voiced strong support for LIV Golf events receiving Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, pushing back against claims that the breakaway tour is merely an exhibition.
“I think what you’ve seen this week is a good level of golf. It deserves points,” Rahm said. “How many? I don’t know… But for me, [calling it] an exhibition is false.”
Rahm, a former world No. 1 and two-time major winner, believes LIV’s format and the talent on display merit recognition in the global ranking system. He highlighted the strength of the competition and pointed to the presence of younger players looking to earn spots in golf’s biggest events.
“There are good young players here who deserve the opportunity to qualify for the majors,” he added. “I believe we have a high enough level of golf and competition to earn world ranking points.”
The debate around LIV Golf and OWGR points has been ongoing since the tour launched, with critics citing the smaller fields and 54-hole format as reasons for exclusion. But Rahm, who joined LIV in late 2023, insists the quality of play is undeniable.
His comments add further weight to the conversation as more top names continue to call for a path back to the majors for LIV’s best performers. Whether or not the OWGR system responds remains to be seen, but Rahm has made it clear — in his view, LIV players have earned a place in the ranking conversation.
