Jon Rahm Falls Out of the World’s Top 50 for the First Time in 8 Years
Jon Rahm, the former world No. 1 and reigning champion of the LIV Golf, has officially dropped out of the Top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time in eight years.
Despite finishing sixth in LIV Golf Adelaide, the Spaniard now sits at No. 52, a decline that has been expected ever since he joined LIV Golf in December 2023. Rahm, who held the world No. 1 ranking for 52 weeks, first reached the top spot after winning The Memorial Tournament in July 2020.
IV Golf Players Continue to Drop in the OWGR
Since LIV Golf events do not award OWGR points, players competing exclusively in the Saudi-backed league have seen their rankings steadily decline. The only way to maintain or improve their standing is by performing well in Major Championships or playing select events on other tours, such as the DP World Tour or Asian Tour.
Many in the golf world argue that the OWGR system is outdated, as it no longer accounts for many of the game’s top talents. However, the OWGR remains the official global ranking system and serves as the primary qualification criteria for entry into Major Championships.
Rahm’s Major Exemptions Secure His Spot in Golf’s Biggest Events
For now, Rahm’s place in Major tournaments is not in jeopardy, as his two Major victories—including his most recent win at the 2023 Masters—grant him automatic exemptions.
Other LIV Golf Players Experience Significant Ranking Drops
Rahm is not alone in his ranking slide. Several other LIV Golf League players have also experienced sharp declines in the OWGR standings, including:
- Carlos Ortiz – Ranked 372
- Marc Leishman – Ranked 425
- Abraham Ancer – Ranked 454
- Sergio García – Ranked 487
- Dustin Johnson – Ranked 584
As the debate over ranking points for LIV Golf continues, players in the league face increasing challenges in maintaining their positions in the global standings.