News Summary
Jon Rahm, the Spanish golfer who once topped the Official World Golf Rankings, has experienced a significant drop to 52nd place following his switch to LIV Golf. The transition has led to difficulties in earning OWGR points, exacerbated by injuries and underwhelming performances in major tournaments. Despite his current struggles, Rahm has secured future entries in several key events and continues to rank highly in alternative ranking systems.
Jon Rahm Takes a Big Step Down the Rankings After LIV Golf Switch
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Jon Rahm, the talented Spanish golfer who has made headlines for both his stunning achievements and recent struggles. After a triumphant 2017, where he showcased his skills by winning the Farmers Insurance Open, Rahm soared to the top of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). He even held the coveted title of world number one for a remarkable 52 weeks. But now, suddenly, he’s found himself facing a challenging situation.
A Tough Transition to LIV Golf
In December 2023, Rahm made a move to the controversial LIV Golf circuit, hoping to bring a new spark to his career. While he has enjoyed some success with two victories on the LIV tour, his transition has come at a cost. Currently, LIV Golf is classified in a way that doesn’t allow its players to earn OWGR points. As a result, Rahm has plummeted to the 52nd spot, marking his lowest ranking since that fateful year of 2017.
Experts have pointed out that this drop is significant—it’s the first time Rahm has fallen outside the top 50 in the world rankings since he first burst onto the scene with his impressive win. It’s certainly a tough pill to swallow for a player who has delivered peak performances through so much of his career.
Performance and Injuries Impact Ranking
Rahm’s performances in major tournaments this year have not gone as planned. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship, finished tied for 45th at the Masters, and only managed a T-7 finish at The Open. His year took a further hit when he suffered a foot injury that forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Open. This decline has left Rahm feeling the pressure to reclaim his spot among golf’s elite.
Despite his difficulties on the big stage, Rahm has had a few bright moments. He managed to notch three top-10 finishes on the DP World Tour in the latter half of 2023, proving he still has what it takes to compete. But the year didn’t start smoothly, as he missed the cut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2024, which only added to his frustrations.
OWGR Points Drama
Compounding Rahm’s woes is the ongoing saga surrounding LIV Golf’s status with the OWGR. Previously, signals of a reapplication for OWGR points from LIV have fallen silent, especially after the league’s application was withdrawn nearly a year ago by former CEO Greg Norman. This has left players like Rahm grappling with a sense of unfairness as they strive to earn recognition for their talents and achievements.
Future Opportunities Still Bright
On the bright side, Rahm has secured his future in major tournaments. He is guaranteed entry into the U.S. Open until 2031, enjoys a lifetime invitation to the Masters, and has exemptions for both The Open and PGA Championship through at least 2028. Regardless of current struggles, these open doors will keep Rahm relevant in the sport.
Interestingly, even though Rahm is ranked 52nd in the OWGR, his standing in alternative ranking systems still shines. He is currently ranked 4th in Data Golf and holds the 3rd spot in Universal Golf Rankings, which still account for events on the LIV schedule. It clearly indicates that Rahm’s performances can still be recognized elsewhere, even if the OWGR isn’t keeping up.
Looking Ahead
As Rahm reflects on his major season so far—which he himself deems unsatisfactory—he faces the undeniable challenge of regaining his form and fighting to reclaim his historical ranking. While the road may be bumpy for the talented golfer, one thing is for sure: Jon Rahm isn’t going to back down easily, and fans can only hope for a swift return to glory.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Jon Rahm and LIV Golf
- NewsBreak: Jon Rahm’s OWGR Situation
- Athlon Sports: Jon Rahm’s Top 50 Rankings
- Irish Star: Jon Rahm’s OWGR Ranking
- Golf Monthly: Jon Rahm’s Ranking Drop
- Wikipedia: Official World Golf Ranking
- Google Search: Jon Rahm Golf Ranking
- Google Scholar: Jon Rahm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jon Rahm
- Google News: Jon Rahm
