One of LIV Golf’s biggest stars has urged the four majors to have a significant review of their qualifying criteria or risk having their tournaments “devalued” due to the world rankings stalemate.
Former US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, who finished tied sixth in this month’s Masters, wants Augusta National, the PGA of America, United States Golf Association and the R&A to find a rapid solution as Greg Norman’s LIV Golf stars plummet down the world rankings.
DeChambeau’s own five-year exemption to all four majors ends next year and he faces an uncertain future in golf’s biggest events unless a resolution is found.
“I get it, I understand people are frustrated and I’m an advocate for great golf,” DeChambeau said.
“If great golf is on the top of the list – say, Talor Gooch– he should be playing [majors]. Give us an exemption criteria for that.
“It’s disappointing to see the non-action. What are people complaining about? I’m not worried about the OWGR [Official World Golf Ranking] any more. It’s about how do we get these great golfers into the majors so their product is enhanced and not devalued. I think we’re an enhancement and not a devaluation.”
Bryson DeChambeau during the second round of LIV Golf Adelaide.Credit: Getty
The four majors have, so far, refused to yield from their existing criteria, which largely relies on the official world rankings to determine fields.
But with LIV having withdrawn their world rankings application, the likes of Brooks Koepka (36), Australia’s top star Cameron Smith (53), DeChambeau (113), Phil Mickelson (153), Dustin Johnson (356) and Sergio Garcia (689) have plummeted down the world rankings and, in coming years, will face greater difficulty qualifying for majors.
