Jon Rahm, once a dominant force atop the golfing world, has hit an unexpected snag in his illustrious career. For the first time since 2017, the Spanish sensation has tumbled out of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), landing at No. 52. This dramatic slide comes amid his high-profile move to LIV Golf in December 2023, a decision that has restricted his ability to compete in ranking-eligible events.
Despite flashes of brilliance on the Saudi-backed tour, Rahm’s ranking woes highlight the growing tension between LIV Golf’s format and the traditional pathways to golfing glory.
The Ranking Rollercoaster: Jon Rahm’s Fall from Grace
Jon Rahm’s descent marks a stark contrast to his meteoric rise, which saw him reign as world No. 1 for over a year. His dominance on the PGA Tour, including a memorable victory at the 2021 U.S. Open, cemented his status as one of golf’s elite. However, his switch to LIV Golf has proven costly. The OWGR’s refusal to award points for LIV events has left Rahm reliant on majors and limited DP World Tour appearances to maintain his standing—a strategy that has fallen short.
This season, Rahm’s major performances have been uncharacteristically inconsistent. Cuts at the Masters and PGA Championship, a withdrawal from the U.S. Open, and a T-7 finish at The Open Championship have failed to offset his ranking slide. For a player of Rahm’s caliber, the drop is a bitter pill to swallow.
LIV Golf Success, OWGR Struggles: A Paradox for Rahm
Ironically, Jon Rahm’s game remains sharp. On the LIV circuit, he’s been a standout, clinching the individual championship and leading his Legion XIII team to victory. A T-2 finish in Riyadh and his ability to lure rising stars like Tom McKibbin to LIV Golf underscore his influence. Yet, these triumphs haven’t translated to OWGR points, leaving Rahm in a frustrating limbo.
“It’s just frustrating,” Rahm admitted after a near-miss at a recent LIV event. “Every day I’ve made two big mistakes that I think were avoidable… If I could clean that up, it would have been better. I played good enough to win, but maybe it just wasn’t my week.”
A New Chapter: Rahm’s Vision for the Future
Despite the setbacks, Rahm remains optimistic. His focus on building a “powerhouse” team with Legion XIII reflects his long-term vision.
“Me and Tyrrell [Hatton] have the experience, and with two younger guys with that much talent, I like our chances,” he said. “This week only proves what we can do.”
Yet, the question lingers: Can Rahm reconcile his LIV Golf commitments with his desire to reclaim his place among golf’s elite? For now, the OWGR’s stance remains a formidable barrier.
As Jon Rahm navigates this crossroads, his resilience will be tested. Will LIV Golf’s format evolve to gain OWGR recognition? Or will Rahm’s legacy be defined by his ability to thrive outside traditional rankings? One thing is certain: The golfing world will be watching closely.
