'Wild' LIV Golf news prompts unanimous reaction: "Why now?!"

LIV Golf are reportedly in 'advanced talks' to secure Official World Golf Ranking points, according to a bombshell report. 

Per Sportico, representatives from the breakaway tour and officials from the governing body are currently in 'serious discussions'. 

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman succeeded Peter Dawson as the chairman of the OWGR in April. 

It is understood he met with LIV's chief executive - Scott O'Neil - at Augusta National earlier in the month during the first men's major of the year.

FlushingIt has further reported that O'Neil agreed the breakaway tour must make changes so LIV can finally have accreditation. 

O'Neill took over the reins in January after two-time Open champion Greg Norman was shown the door after four years with LIV. 

Whilst LIV have no desires to abandon the team component or play 72-hole events, it is understood they are willing to change the relegation process.

Currently the bottom six players in the standings are 'relegated' but those under contract, such as team captains, are exempt from being booted out. 

South Africa's Branden Grace finished in the bottom six last year and attempted to earn his spot back in the league via their Q-School event. 

He came up short but was still awarded a spot in the Stinger team for the 2025 campaign which some argued undermined the whole point of the system. 

LIV Golf launched in the summer of 2022 and lodged their bid for OWGR accreditation shortly before the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews. 

After a protracted back-and-forth, their attempts to be recognised by the OWGR were rejected in October 2023. 

The aforementioned Dawson said the 54-hole, no-cut events for a limited field of players was an issue as well as limited access for players being able to join.

Dawson stressed the OWGR was not 'at war with LIV' and there was no conspiracy to deny the league points. 

In a letter to LIV, Dawson wrote: "OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. 

"Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective.

"A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances."

LIV withdrew their bid for OWGR accreditation in March 2024. 

A furious Norman told LIV players: "The OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us."

The latest report has been met with a range of views from golf fans on X. 

Given the majority of LIV's highest-profile names have now slipped down the rankings, there appears to be little point now in awarding the PIF-backed league accreditation. 

One X fan wrote: "Why now?"

Another added: "This is completely pointless."

Some believe the move would be good, though. "About time," one wrote.

"Just announce the merger now," another said. 

The governing bodies of the four majors are also making more effort to open the door for LIV players. 

In February, the USGA and R&A announced an exemption for the leading LIV player into the U.S. Open and The Open. 

Joaquin Niemann confirmed his spot for Oakmont with his victory last week in Mexico.  

The Chilean golfer was also invited to compete at The Masters and the PGA Championship for the second year running.