PGA Tour Rising Star Pokes Fun of OWGR at Jon Rahm’s Expense

A Joke That Stirred the Pot: Michael Kim’s Lighthearted Dig at Jon Rahm

The world of professional golf was recently abuzz with a new controversy, but this time, it wasn’t the usual drama that fans have grown accustomed to. Instead, it was a playful jab from PGA Tour player Michael Kim that set tongues wagging. Fresh from his impressive performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he finished three strokes behind winner Russell Henley, Kim celebrated his rise to 52nd in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). In a moment of levity, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to humorously declare, “I’m currently a better golfer than Jon Rahm in the OFFICIAL world golf rankings.” He quickly clarified, “Can’t wait for the LIV bots 😂. It’s obviously tongue in cheek everyone.” While the comment was meant in jest, it couldn’t have come at a more poignant time for Jon Rahm.

The Fallout for Jon Rahm: Slipping Down the Rankings

Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion and one of the most formidable players in the sport, has found himself in a precarious position. His recent slide in the OWGR has seen him drop out of the top 50, a stunning fall for a player of his caliber. The timing of Kim’s joke only rubbed salt in the wound, as Rahm’s struggles have been linked to his decision to join LIV Golf in 2024. Unlike the PGA Tour, LIV Golf events do not currently award OWGR points, meaning Rahm’s participation in the breakaway tour has not helped his ranking. Instead, it has put him at a disadvantage compared to PGA Tour players like Michael Kim, who continue to earn points for their performances.

Why LIV Golf Isn’t Earning OWGR Points

The crux of the issue lies in LIV Golf’s ongoing struggle for recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking system. Unlike the PGA Tour, which adheres to the traditional 72-hole format, LIV Golf has adopted a 54-hole format, a change that has raised eyebrows among OWGR officials. Additionally, LIV Golf’s use of shotgun starts, smaller fields, and what some perceive as weaker competition has made it difficult for the tour to meet the criteria set by the OWGR. These differences have resulted in LIV Golf players, including big names like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, seeing their world rankings suffer.

The Consequences of LIV Golf’s Struggles

The situation took a turn for the worse when former LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman announced that the tour had effectively given up on its bid for OWGR recognition. This decision has profound implications for players like Jon Rahm, who now face an uphill battle to improve their rankings and secure spots in major events like the Ryder Cup. Rahm, who is determined to represent Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage, has expressed optimism that the appeals process might still work in his favor. “My plan is to be on that team at Bethpage,” he said after the 2025 Dubai Classic. However, the lack of OWGR points from LIV Golf events has made his path to qualification far more challenging.

Blame and Backlash: The Fallout for Jon Rahm

As Jon Rahm’s ranking continues to slide, much of the blame has been directed at his decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Critics argue that his move has not only hurt his individual career but also damaged his chances of representing his country on the global stage. Rahm’s situation has reignited the debate over LIV Golf’s legitimacy and its impact on the sport as a whole. While some defend Rahm’s choice, pointing to the lucrative financial opportunities that LIV Golf offers, others believe that the trade-off—sacrificing ranking points and potentially missing out on the Ryder Cup—is too high a price to pay.

The Uncertain Future of LIV Golf and Its Players

As the golf world continues to grapple with the implications of LIV Golf’s existence, the situation for players like Jon Rahm remains uncertain. While Rahm holds onto hope that the appeals process will allow him to compete in the Ryder Cup, the broader issue of LIV Golf’s lack of OWGR recognition looms large. Without a resolution, players on the LIV Tour will continue to struggle to maintain their standing in the rankings, putting their participation in major events at risk. For now, the tension between tradition and innovation, as well as the personal and professional sacrifices made by LIV Golf’s athletes, will undoubtedly remain a hot topic in the world of golf.