LIV Golf aims to pacify OWGR by making a major change to The International Series - Report

This week, multiple LIV Golf athletes like Martin Kaymer, Peter Uihlein and David Puig competed in the LINK Hong Kong Open. The tournament is a part of the International Series, which is a series of LIV Golf Investments-backed events on the Asian Tour.

Since 2022, LIV Golf has provided a pathway for all players to earn a place in the breakaway tour. The set of elevated events also provides season-long Ranking points, and the top player receives direct entry into the Saudi PIF-backed golf league. According to reports, fans might see a major change in the International Series as LIV Golf is all set to eye for OWGR (Official World Golf Rankings) inclusion.

The Saudi PIF-backed golf circuit will reportedly provide two qualifying spots for the International Series. If this turns out to be true, then two top-ranked, non-contracted players on the International Series Rankings will receive the golden ticket to the 2026 LIV season. According to reports, LIV's Promotion Event in January (that might commence in Tampa Bay) will also feature at least two spots. Take a look at the recent X post (previously Twitter) by Flushing It Golf:

This is reportedly some steps that the Saudi golf circuit might adopt after they reapplied for inclusion in the OWGR system in June 2025. On July 11, OWGR officially confirmed receiving LIV's application and further declared the beginning of the review process. While talking about this, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil expressed confidence in the breakaway tour's appeal.

---

"Can't see that LIV has been a success" - Former OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson criticises LIV Golf

When LIV's application was initially rejected in 2023, the then OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson heavily criticised LIV. According to his statement, there was nothing wrong with the golfers of the breakaway tour, but the format of LIV made the OWGR inclusion "impossible".

Recently, when LIV Golf resubmitted its appeal, Dawson openly frowned upon the Saudi PIF-backed golf circuit once again. According to his statement, the Team format of LIV is yet to go miles before "resonating with the fan base". Dawson said while speaking to Global Golf Post (as quoted by Sports Illustrated):

"LIV has now reapplied to be included in the OWGR system. I want all golf initiatives to do well and I can’t see that LIV has been a success by any measure. Yes, it has given great wealth to a very few people, but in terms of engagement, its format of team golf isn’t resonating anywhere near enough with the fan base..."

Apart from this, Dawson did not shy away from speaking his mind when O'Neil claimed that LIV is going to be a dominant name in "global golf". Following Scott's statement in July, the former OWGR Chairman criticised Saudi Arabia and the Public Investment Fund for their persistent efforts aimed at the breakaway tour's success.

Edited by Pravashis Biswas