Brooks Koepka’s Career Nears Lowest Point as Greg Norman’s Stubborn Choices Haunt LIV Golf

Is the former world No. 1 going to hit a career-low because of LIV Golf? The golfers who made the switch to LIV Golf might have gotten a better purse increase, but there is one thing that has been affected majorly: their OWGR. Every golfer in the PIF league has seen a steep decline in their ranking, as the event on the LIV schedule does not affect the world ranking.

Until now, LIV Golf has struggled to get its application approved by the OWGR. In March 2024, due to the short format of the league, the application was rejected. Countering the rejection, the team of LIV Golf withdrew its application. However, the ranking issue of the players is not getting solved.

The issue in 2022, when it got into the spotlight, saw the frustration of Brooks Koepka as he shared, “Yeah, not to say something to where it’s not really an answer and we’ll think about it. I don’t agree with — just pick a side. If it’s yes, if it’s no, it’s fine, we’ll figure it out from there.” Something that haunted him again. In 2023, when his ranking fell to 20th position, he said, “That’s embarrassing to be 20th,” as shared by The Palm Beach Post.

Now, with all the instances in the past and his current ranking. The two-time major champion must be disappointed. Last year his ranking dropped to 102, which was his career low since 2014. His worst since turning professional is 103 in September 2013, that was his initial year of professional journey. Now with more than a decade of plays, he wouldn’t want to be in the same place.

CADIZ, SPAIN – JULY 02: Brooks Koepka of Smash GC during day three of LIV Golf – Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama on July 2, 2023 in Cadiz, Spain. Photo by MB Media SPO PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xx| Credits: Imago

He is currently ranked at 96th position because of his limited appearances at the world ranking event. In the 2024 season, he played four majors out of which his best finishes were T26 at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. For the rest of the two, he records T45 and T43. For him, the new season will be a crucial one to redeem his rankings.

How can Brooks Koepka redeem his ranking despite playing in LIV Golf?

The 34-year-old is on the verge of hitting the all-time low of his career. However, his performance in the 2025 season could save him from hitting low. He has already jumped many positions in the past with his wins. Take the example of his PGA Championship win in 2023. It helped the American professional get a boost of 31 positions.

Now with the OWGR rejection, Koepka’s only hope is the majors, for which he has already shared his concern. Earlier in August 2024, he shared his disappointment after his major performance saying, “The four majors were pretty disappointing.” Even though he won two titles in LIV, performance at the majors matters to him. With the declining rank, it is the only option left for him and all the other LIV golfers. Bryson DeChambeau, the defending U.S. Open winner, is ranked 10th. At the same time, Jon Rahm is ranked 26th.

However, the only way for LIV golfers to get up on the ranking table is to win the majors and wait for the application approval from OWGR. As per the last statement of LIV about not changing the format, it is far from done. But can the merger play a crucial role in OWGR approval? What are your thoughts on the OWGR rejection for LIV Golf? Let us know in the comments below.

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