Why LIV Golf Players Are Flocking to the 'Asian Tour'
by Roh Woolae
Published 20 Feb.2024 10:19(KST)
Updated 20 Feb.2024 14:34(KST)
21 Players to Compete in Oman Tournament Opening on 22nd
Targeting Asian Market to Earn World Ranking Points
LIV Opening Winner Niman and Herbert Also Join
LIV Golf players are flocking to the Asian Tour.
On the 22nd (local time), they will compete in the Asian Tour International Series Oman (total prize money of 2 million dollars) held at Al Mouj Golf Muscat in Oman (par 72, 7,438 yards). This is one of the tournaments jointly hosted by LIV and the Asian Tour. Among the participants are 21 LIV players, including Joaqu?n Niemann (Chile), ranked 81st in the world and winner of this year's LIV season opener in Mexico, Lucas Herbert (Australia) ranked 80th, and Dean Burmester (South Africa) ranked 95th.
The reason for participating in the Asian Tour is to earn world ranking points. LIV, sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), has recruited players competing in the United States and Europe with huge signing bonuses. However, players participating in tournaments hosted by LIV do not receive ranking points awarded by the Official World Golf Ranking. As a result, LIV players have virtually no way to participate in major tournaments or the Olympics.
To compete in the 'Masters Tournament,' which opens on April 11, players must be ranked within the top 50 in the world. World ranking also plays a significant role in qualifying for other major tournaments and the Olympics. Patrick Reed (USA), who won major tournaments on the PGA Tour, dropped to 100th in the world rankings after moving to LIV, Bryson DeChambeau (USA) fell to 169th, and Dustin Johnson (USA) dropped to 238th. LIV players are turning their attention to the Asian Tour, where the prize money is smaller but ranking points can be earned.
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