Connect with us

19th Hole

54-hole tour granted Official World Golf Ranking points…but it isn’t LIV

Published

1 year ago

on

LIV Golf may just start twitching at the news that the OWGR has sanctioned the distribution of ranking points to a tour with 54-hole tournaments.

The Gira de Golf Professional de Mexicana has existed since 2017, offering Mexican golfers the chance to progress through the ranks to the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, and has been the source of KFT players such as José de Jesús Rodríguez Martínez, five-time winner on the PGA Latinoamerica circuit and winner of the 2018 United Leasing & Finance Championship on the web.com tour (the predecessor to the KFT). It also assisted the Latino organization through the 2020 pandemic.

After a 16-month approval process, the Official World Golf Rankings released the following positive statement:

“As such, the Gira de Golf Professional de Mexicana is in keeping with long-standing OWGR eligibility and format criteria providing inclusion for professional tours at the development level with available ranking points commensurate with the format and anticipated fields.”

OWGR chairman Peter Dawson added, “This is a significant milestone for golf and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in the advancement of the sport of golf in Mexico. We look forward to watching the progress of Gira de Golf Professional de Mexicana as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region.”

The tour differs from the Greg Norman-led tour with its 36-hole cuts, while offering qualification via a qualifying school to encourage regional players, and culminating its season with a no-cut championship.

GDG commissioner José Miguel Bejos confirmed his joy at the news.

“We are very proud that after almost 5 years of work, the Mexican Professional Golf Tour becomes part of the OWGR,” Bejos said. “It is one of the most important achievements that Mexican professional golf has had in recent years and we will continue with the commitment to promote golf in our country.”

With two of the best-ever Mexican golfers, Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz, now playing for LIV, the irony cannot be lost on Norman and, despite his organization’s “strategic alliance” with the MENA Tour, the OWGR steadfastly remain with the view that the tour does not comply with its qualifying procedure.

Still, players such as Joaquin Niemann believe the OWGR has no option but to grant ranking points, telling La Tercera:

“We already have all the criteria to have a world ranking in the LIV. If they haven’t done it, it’s because of a pure monopoly there, political issues for which they don’t take it out… But we already have all the criteria. We have the best players in the world on the Tour and, if they don’t, in the end they will look bad.” 

Norman also believes it will be impossible for the ruler of golf rankings to ignore LIV for much longer, telling reporters in November that:

“I understand they have a process. I get all that. But the OWGR was never prepared for a new entity like LIV Golf. You have to expect the unexpected sometimes. When somebody comes along with an incredible business model that is working and, as we’ve shown, you’ve got to have that flexibility and adaptability to allow a new entity coming along.”

“OWGR was never, ever ready for that type of approach.”

Your Reaction?
  • 7
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW0
  • LOL3
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK4

Related Topics:

19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

1 hour ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 4
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL1
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK5

Continue Reading

19th Hole

PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

1 hour ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 3
  • LEGIT4
  • WOW0
  • LOL2
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK2

Continue Reading

19th Hole

Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’

Published

20 hours ago

on

May 7, 2024

By

On Tuesday, the full field for the PGA Championship at Valhalla was released. In some surprising news, a handful of LIV players were granted exemptions including Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Lucas Herbert and Adrian Meronk.

The most surprising omission was Louis Oosthuizen. The South African has been one of the most consistent players on LIV this season, and also won two DP World Tour events in the fall.

According to the AP’s Doug Ferguson, Oosthuizen was actually given an invitation, but declined due to “personal commitments”.

In total, there will be 16 LIV golfers teeing it up next week at Valhalla.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 10
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW4
  • LOL2
  • IDHT3
  • FLOP4
  • OB1
  • SHANK12

Continue Reading

WITB

Whats in the Bag20 hours ago

Webb Simpson WITB 2024 (May)

Webb Simpson what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Whats in the Bag20 hours ago

Keegan Bradley WITB 2024 (May)

Keegan Bradley’s WITB accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. >14 clubs pictured. Obviously, Bradley will reduce that number to...
Whats in the Bag2 days ago

Peter Kuest WITB 2024 (May)

Peter Kuest what’s in the bag accurate as of CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (8 degrees)...
Whats in the Bag2 days ago

Kelly Kraft WITB 2024 (May)

Kelly Kraft’s what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here. ...

Facebook

Trending