LIV Golf News: Ranking Biggest Winners & Losers at Masters 2024 ft. Phil Mickelson
Ever since the launch of the breakaway league, the OWGR, which has long been regarded as the benchmark for professional golf rankings, has been embroiled in a dispute with LIV Golf. Points are awarded according to performance in events approved by major Tours such as the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in the traditional ranking system. However, because LIV Golf is an independent operation, its players do not automatically get ranking points.
LIV golfers can, however, gain points in the major events they qualify for, with the Masters being one of the main instances. This set the stage for an interesting storyline: could LIV golfers make a statement by performing well at the Masters and potentially upend the rankings? They didn’t end up taking home the green jacket, but they did shake things up a bit in the rankings. So let’s take a look at the top 3 best and worst performances in the OWGR ranking update!
Cameron Smith: The first on our list of high risers is the 30-year-old Australian. Although there were fears that Smith would not be able to make it to the masters because of food poisoning, he came through to finish a strong T6 and tie with fellow LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau. This impressive performance by Smith propelled him 16 spots forward, from rank 68 to rank 52. Not having completed his last game in Miami, his previous best was tied for second place at LIV Hong Kong earlier this year. With this improved ranking and good form, he is quickly becoming one of the best in the PIF-backed league
Patrick Reed: Another LIV golfer who has made strides in the OWGR rankings is 33-year-old Patrick Reed. The American finished T12 in the Masters this year. This has pulled him into the top 100 OWGR ranks, jumping 27 places to reach rank 85 from his previous rank of 112. This, along with his strong T9 finish in LIV Golf Miami, makes him a strong contender at upcoming LIV Golf events.
Bryson DeChambeau: The best performance, however, goes to the Scientist. DeChambeau was a somewhat modest 210th in the OWGR going before the tournament. But after a strong performance at Augusta National, when he tied for sixth place, he shot up the rankings, moving up an incredible 100 spots to take the 110th position. For the first two rounds of the competition, he was in complete control, displaying both his excellent technique and creative game strategy. Will he benefit from his $10000 club in the upcoming LIV games? Time will tell.
Honorable mention- Phil Mickelson: Phil Mickelson, the seasoned golfer who has been a contentious character in the LIV Golf movement, deserves special recognition. Mickelson moved up fifteen spots, from 166th to 151st, with a T43 finish at Augusta National. Though it is only a slight improvement, it shows that Mickelson can still earn meaningful OWGR points in major tournaments even at this later stage of his career.
