LIV Golf Players Receive Huge World Rankings Boost After Masters
Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed are among the LIV Golf players who've moved back up the OWGR
Despite concerns that the LIV Golf players who appeared in The Masters would be rusty considering the perceived lack of intensity on the circuit compared to others, many performed admirably, and that’s reflected in the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
For much of the tournament it appeared as though Brooks Koepka would claim his first Green Jacket. That was before new World No.1 Jon Rahm continued his incredible form of 2023 to ease home by four shots for his second Major win.
While finishing tied for second will have disappointed the American after fading in the final round, the boost to his ranking will be welcomed as he leaps from World No.118 to World No.37. With a tournament he has won twice, the PGA Championship, round the corner, Koepka will be confident of consolidating his position in the world’s top 50 soon enough.
Another LIV Golf player joined Koepka in the runner-up position - three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson. The 52-year-old came into the tournament on the back of some unimpressive results on the circuit, but rolled back the years in a performance that included a historic 65 in the final round, which was the lowest score by a player over 50 in The Masters.
Mickelson began the tournament as the lowest ranked LIV Golf player in it at World No.425. However, following his performance he is now back in the top 100 at World No.72.
Another LIV Golf player who will be satisfied with his efforts is 2018 champion Patrick Reed. The former World No.6 had slumped to World No.70 as the tournament began, but is now back in the top 50 at World No.45 after his tie for fourth.
Elsewhere, Joaquin Niemann, who finished tied for 16th, has risen one place to World No.24, while Harold Varner III, who finished tied for 29th, is also up one place, to World No.60. Similarly, Thomas Pieters rises one place to World No.43 despite an underwhelming tie for 48th.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Others to benefit include Talor Gooch, who is up two places to World No.58 after his tie for 34th, while further down the rankings, 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel has jumped 18 places to World No.196 after his tie for 50th.
It’s not all good news for LIV Golf players following the tournament. Cameron Smith couldn’t repeat his form of 2022, when he finished third, and the Australian, who end up tied for 34th along with Gooch, remains World No.5. For the likes of Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira and Dustin Johnson, the news is even worse, as they have all dropped further down the world rankings following disappointing performances in the tournament.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
'Gator Netting Is In Place' - Chevron Championship Venue Prepared For 'Safe' Winner's Jump
A tradition which began at the tournament's previous home could continue this year - if the champion is feeling brave enough...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe Review
New Balance produce some extremely stylish footwear and, in this review, Matt Cradock takes their spikeless 997 SL onto the course
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'We're A Fraternity' - Seve Stories Shared At Jon Rahm's 'Emotional' Masters Champions Dinner
Phil Mickelson was again quiet, Sandy Lyle couldn't make it and the Seve stories flowed as Jon Rahm hosted a successful Champions Dinner ahead of The Masters
By Paul Higham Last updated
-
Jon Rahm Reveals What He Misses About The PGA Tour Ahead Of Masters Defence
Rahm spoke about why he still "loves the PGA Tour", the pressure of LIV Golf events, and his legacy ahead of defending his Masters title this week
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
'I Definitely Wouldn't Mind Going Back To 72 Holes' - Jon Rahm Calls On LIV To Make 'Helpful' Format Change
The current Masters champion suggested that increasing the number of holes in a week on the PIF-backed circuit could help with unification in the men's game
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Jon Rahm Could Lack The 'Right Intensity' To Defend Masters Title After 'Playing Resort Courses In His Shorts' In LIV Golf
Sir Nick Faldo questioned whether Jon Rahm could find the right intensity to defend his Masters title after making the switch to LIV Golf
By Paul Higham Published
-
'We're Coming For That Green Jacket' - Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, And Sergio Garcia Backing LIV Golfer To Win The Masters
There are 13 LIV Golf players set to tee it up at Augusta National Golf Club next week - and it's fair to say that confidence is high among the group
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Phil Mickelson's New Caddie Sent Off With Heartfelt 'Thank You' By 10-Year Former Employer
Jon Yarbrough will replace Tim Mickelson as Lefty's looper ahead of the 2024 Masters and LIV Golf Miami
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Jon Rahm Calls On Majors To Consider Invite For 'Left Out' LIV Player
The current Masters champion suggested there was one player in the LIV Golf League that has been "a little bit left out" despite being "fantastic" in 2023
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Paulina Gretzky Reveals Death Threats And Other 'Awful, Awful, Awful Things' After Dustin Johnson's LIV Golf Move
The daughter of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky shared some personal stories from around the time of her husband's switch from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf on Full Swing Season 2
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated