LIV Golf once made waves in the golf world, promising young players like Eugenio Chacarra a bright future with opportunities to compete in major championships, earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, and build their careers. However, as time has passed, those promises appear to have fallen flat, leaving many players disillusioned with the league. Chacarra, who secured a win in just his fifth start with LIV Golf after turning professional, is now speaking out about his experience, highlighting the league’s focus on financial gains over player development and opportunities for major qualifications.
Chacarra’s story mirrors the sentiments of many LIV golfers who feel betrayed by the organization’s priorities. For these players, the lack of access to major championships and OWGR points has become a significant roadblock. This frustration has led some, like Chacarra, to explore other opportunities, such as pursuing a PGA Tour card, to achieve their professional dreams.
Adding to the discourse, Jon Rahm recently shared his perspective during a press conference at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025. He expressed frustration with the ongoing issue of LIV players being denied OWGR points, even a year into the league’s operations. According to Rahm, LIV Golf indicated early on that they would not aggressively pursue discussions with the OWGR system due to anticipated resistance. However, Rahm believes it is unjust to deny LIV players the credibility they deserve, emphasizing the need for a fair system that allows players to qualify for major championships without relying solely on invitations.
Rahm stated, “I think I’ve expressed my opinions on the World Ranking system before I joined LIV. But they told us — they told me early on, I think even before I signed in the early conversations, that they were not going to pursue those discussions to the same level because they knew where it was directed.” He further stressed the importance of addressing this issue for the betterment of the sport, saying, “The World Ranking points need to figure something out because it’s not fair for anybody in that sense.”
Other players, like Joaquin Niemann, have also voiced their views on the matter. Niemann, who managed to play in three majors in 2024 through invitations and qualifying events, remains optimistic about the future. He believes the top 10 players in LIV Golf should have a clear path to major championships. In 2024, Niemann expressed hope that the league would secure its own route into the majors by 2025, recognizing the undeniable talent within its ranks. Despite his optimism, there has been no concrete progress toward this goal.
To adapt to the current situation, Niemann planned to compete on the DP World Tour to accumulate ranking points and increase his chances of qualifying for major tournaments. He also aimed to take advantage of open spots in events like the Australian Open. Niemann’s confidence in LIV Golf’s potential to gain major access remains steadfast, as he stated, “I feel like they’ve got to pull for the best of the game, and I think that’s the right way to do it. I’m pretty optimistic. I think it will happen.”
The ongoing struggle of LIV Golf raises questions about whether the league’s emphasis on financial success comes at the cost of its players’ professional aspirations. Many wonder if this issue is indicative of a larger problem, where money fails to create a sustainable or respected platform in sports. As LIV Golf navigates these challenges, its players and fans continue to debate the league’s priorities and whether it will eventually secure the opportunities it once promised.