'Ball is in their court': Trevor Immelman says LIV Golf hasn't reapplied for OWGR points, per report

On Tuesday, Sportico reported LIV officials were in serious discussions with Official World Golf Ranking executives, specifically Trevor Immelman, about awarding ranking points for LIV Golf events.

Come Thursday, Immelman responded. Speaking with Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press in a phone interview, Immelman said LIV has not submitted an application to receive points. And until that happens, the OWGR won't do much.

"Whether that happens or not, I guess time will tell,” Immelman told the AP. “I have enjoyed getting to know (LIV Golf CEO) Scott O'Neil over the last few months. We've spoken on the phone a couple of times. We met in person at the Masters, just really introduction stuff. We’re in the same position we have been without any application from their side.

“The ball is in their court.”

LIV Golf first tried to get OWGR points three years ago

LIV Golf initially submitted an application for OWGR points in June 2022 but withdrew that bid last March. The OWGR rejected the initial bid in October 2023, citing the league – which features 54 players playing 54-hole, shotgun start, no-cut events – wasn’t able to be compared to the other 24 tours under its world ranking wing. There were also concerns with qualifying and relegation methods.

LIV Golf introduced a promotions event in 2023, which allowed three golfers to play their way into the league. Last year, only one person got in through the promotions event. Players who finish Nos. 49 and below in the season-long standings are relegated, but numerous players, including Bubba Watson and Branden Grace, who finished below that threshold in 2024 returned to their respective teams in 2025.

Immelman told the AP he has enjoyed getting to know O'Neil, who took over for Greg Norman as CEO this offseason, and has been pivotal in securing a new media rights deal with Fox, revamping the league's schedule and helping teams sign sponsors for equipment, apparel and more.

Immelman did say the rejection letter the OWGR board sent in October 2023 was quite clear with its position at the time.

“I would say that is still case,” Immelman said. “But until a new application is put in, there’s nothing really we can do about it. If the LIV Golf League is wanting to be part of the OWGR, then they need to go ahead and put another application in. That’s really where we are."