Jon Rahm has fallen out of the top 50 in the world rankings after previously criticising golf’s points system.
The two-time major champion jumped ship from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in December 2023, having enjoyed numerous stints as the world’s No.1. In total, Rahm spent 52 weeks at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking’s (OWGR) leaderboard.
Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf, where ranking points aren’t offered at events, has significantly impacted his standing. He can only earn points at majors and selected DP World Tour competitions. As a result, this week saw Rahm drop to 52nd place, marking his first exit from the top 50 since 2017.
But the 30-year-old star didn’t hold back in airing his grievances while he was still ranked third. Rahm lashed out at the OWGR’s system just a day after LIV withdrew its application for ranking points in March 2024.
“I’m going to be honest, I didn’t know they were still trying to get World Ranking points,” Rahm said. “But the one thing I can say is I’m going to back to what I said two years ago in the DP World Tour Championship.
“I didn’t think it was a good system back then. And if anything, the more time that goes on, the more it proves to be wrong.
“Our job shouldn’t be to make the rules or impose the rules or enforce the rules. We’re here to entertain. It’s the governing bodies’ job to be doing this and be adaptable to the changing environment.”
Rahm has been vocal about LIV Golf’s continued exclusion from OWGR points. Despite a T7 at The Open being his best major finish last year, Rahm’s past successes have secured him entry into the US Open until 2031 and a permanent invitation to the Masters. He can also compete at The Open and PGA Championship until 2029 without needing to qualify.
However, Rahm is concerned for his LIV Golf peers who haven’t won a major and face a year-long battle to participate in all four tournaments. Earlier this month, Rahm doubled down on his criticism of OWGR for refusing to allow ranking points at LIV events.
“I think at this point to not give LIV world ranking points and the credibility it deserves, I think is wrong,” Rahm explained. “Listen, I understand we’ve all made a decision and it’s not as easy as it sounds, but to say that LIV players don’t deserve some spots in major championships I think is wrong and I hope that evolves into what it should be, right.
“There should be a way for us to qualify. And the world ranking points, [they] need to figure something out because it’s not fair for anybody in that sense.”
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories