Garcia leads 21 LIV Golf stars heading for Macau as Norman ends rating dream

Sergio Garcia heads up a listing of LIV Golf rebels who’ve determined to go to Macau to compete within the International Series match as they desperately attempt to get better rating factors. The news that some 21 stars from the Saudi Arabian circuit will play was confirmed by the Asian Tour. 

Household names together with Patrick Reed, Pat Perez, and Ian Poulter can even be making the journey to take part within the competitors, which is slated for March 14-17. Essentially, their intention will probably be to stave off the specter of probably lacking out on competing on the 4 majors resulting from their involvement in LIV.

Undoubtedly, those that determined to make the change to the PIF-backed tour over the last few years are nicely remunerated however the catch for these stars is that they can’t choose up rating factors in to the Gulf State. This is because of standoff between LIV and the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) chiefs, with no progress having been made on a thawing of the relations throughout the divide.

Initially, LIV had utilized for recognition from the OWGR again in the summertime of 2022 however their makes an attempt had been rebuffed in October of final 12 months. As golf’s civil battle nonetheless rumbles on in apply, the Saudi Arabian circuit then withdrew their software – leaving the 21 gamers who will play in Macau going through a scramble to characteristic within the upcoming Asian Tour occasion. 

Some stars, resembling main No. 3 ranked LIV insurgent Jon Rahm, are protected for now in the case of their standings within the rankings in query. Still, solely three different gamers on the Saudi circuit at present are ranked within the high 50 – these names being Tyrrell Hatton (17), Brooks Koepka (30) and Cam Smith (50).

Speaking beforehand in regards to the present scenario surrounding the rating system, LIV chief Greg Norman admitted that progress over reforms haven’t been forthcoming. He wrote: We have made monumental efforts to struggle for you and to make sure your accomplishments are acknowledged throughout the current rating system.

“Unfortunately, the OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us,” the disgruntled Australian tycoon admitted, as he expressed his sorrow for the followers. “Golf fans deserve to see the best players in the world play in the best tournaments. That has always been our goal.”