PGA Tour’s Justin Thomas and LIV Golf’s Bubba Watson have been at loggerheads in a heated discussion that took place on Twitter regarding points issued by the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
The debate arrived on the back of a tweet by @flushingitgolf, who questioned the fairness of the new system issued by the OWGR, that will see the current player in last place at the Hero World Challenge pick up 2.0886 points, the equivalent of a third-place finish in the Indonesian Masters.
Thomas replied to the tweet saying: “An event with 15ish (sorry not sure the exact number) of the top 20 in the world? It’s all about the quality of the field. The new system is hurting events like this more than it does that. Like anything in golf, play well enough in big events and you’ll be rewarded.”
Spieth’s last again at the Hero and will get 2.0886 OWGR points for his effort.Players need to come 3rd in the Indonesian Masters this week to get that many.The new system is going to crush the chances of “international” players getting into majors and it’s completely unfair.December 1, 2022
An event with 15ish (sorry not sure the exact number) of the top 20 in the world? It’s all about the quality of the field. The new system is hurting events like this more than it does that. Like anything in golf, play well enough in big events and you’ll be rewardedDecember 2, 2022
JT’s reply obviously rubbed Watson the wrong way and the former Masters champion responded by questioning Thomas’ knowledge on the matter and insisted LIV shouldn’t have to wait as others before them didn’t.
In the tweet, Watson stated: "It’s easy to repeat stuff others say without knowing the facts. Not all Tours are forced to wait for OWGR status. PGA Tour China was confirmed for points before playing its first event in 2014. OWGR has a long history of awarding points to 54-hole events too. #GoogleItItHappened"
Watson then added to his original tweet with a link to the OWGR website, with the 44-year-old tweeting: “The history page on OWGRs website shows some of the tours approved for 54 hole events that get OWGR points #LoveYouAlwaysJT."
It’s easy to repeat stuff others say without knowing the facts. Not all Tours are forced to wait for OWGR status. PGA Tour China was confirmed for points before playing its first event in 2014. OWGR has a long history of awarding points to 54-hole events too. #GoogleItItHappenedDecember 4, 2022
The history page on OWGRs website shows some of the tours approved for 54 hole events that get OWGR points. https://t.co/9xUNgUyAyZ #JustSaying #LoveYouAlwaysJTDecember 4, 2022
It is worth noting that Thomas had replied to the previous tweet on Saturday, with the two-time Major winner explaining to Flushing It Golf that: "You’ve earned your right if you’re in this field (Hero World Challenge), that’s just a fact. Anybody is open to going to q school to qualify for Korn ferry and try and get their cards just as I and others did. Tom (Kim) made the most of his exemptions, so I agree to disagree there."
Looking for the perfect gift for the festive season? Check out the best Christmas Golf Gift Ideas.
-
Garmin Approach S44 Golf Watch ReviewHow does the latest installment in Garmin's golf smartwatch range perform both on and off the golf course?
-
LIV Golf Korea 2025 Picks, Odds And PredictionsAs the LIV Golf League arrives in Korea for the first time, check out the odds for the leading players and our picks to win this week
-
Justin Thomas Confirms Stand-In Caddie Will Not Replace Long-Term Looper After First Victory Since 2022Thomas won the RBC Heritage with Max Homa's former looper, Joe Greiner as his assistant but is looking forward to welcoming his regular caddie back soon
-
Justin Thomas Forced Into Late Caddie Switch For The Masters - But A Familiar Face Steps In At Short NoticeA bad back for regular caddie Matt Minister has forced Justin Thomas into a late switch with Max Homa's former bagman Joe Greiner stepping in at late notice for The Masters
-
'Tiger Did Some Stuff In 2000...But Scottie’s Year Was The Best We’ve Ever Seen' - Bubba Watson Sparks Debate With Controversial Scheffler ClaimBubba Watson has sparked a huge golfing debate after claiming Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season was better than Tiger Woods' all-conquering 2000 campaign
-
The Incredible Numbers Behind Justin Thomas' Historic Second Round At The Players ChampionshipThe American produced an incredible second round at the famous TPC Sawgrass, with Thomas rewriting a number of records on Friday
-
Big Names Struggle Early On At Players ChampionshipViktor Hovland, Max Homa and Justin Thomas all struggled badly in the early stages of the first round at the Players Championship
-
'They Need Us' - Bubba Watson Calls For Top 15 From LIV To Qualify For All The Majors
Bubba Watson says the top 15 players in the LIV Golf standings should all get into the Majors the following year - as the big four events need them
-
'Those Two Don't Go Together' - Justin Thomas Points Out What Fans Might Have To Give Up If They Want Faster Play On TourThomas was discussing pace of play on tour after Atlanta Drive's 4-0 win over New York in TGL - where a 40-second shot clock has been well received by fans
-
Justin Thomas Sends Memo To PGA Tour Peers Advocating Closer TV-Player Relationships To Help Viewing ExperiencePenning a lengthy letter to the PGA Tour membership, Thomas explained that 'more access and insight' can make a 'world of difference' to golf's overall viewing experience
