Jon Rahm’s new official world golf ranking exposes major problem with the current state of the sport

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Jon Rahm has certainly made a positive start to the new LIV Golf season, with the defending champion currently second in the standings.

Rahm has been linked with a return to PGA Tour events, but all of his focus will undoubtedly remain on LIV Golf.

A PGA Tour and LIV Golf agreement is close, although what that will look like and indeed if it will get over the line remains to be seen.

Rahm was one of the highest-profile players to join LIV Golf from the PGA Tour in 2024, with the Spaniard going on to win the individual title in his debut season.

He currently captains Legion XIII, where he is joined by Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and recent recruit Tom McKibbin.

LIV Golf defending champion Jon Rahm drops out of OWGR top 50

The quartet have, of course, given up their right to Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points by joining the Saudi-backed tour.

LIV Golf events are not recognised by the OWGR, with the former having had its request for recognition denied.

READ MORE: Kevin Kisner suggests two-time major winner on LIV is no longer world-class and argues he’s not missed on the PGA Tour

Such a standoff has created a remarkable situation after the latest rankings were posted, with LIV Golf defending champion Rahm now in 52nd place.

The Spaniard has fallen three places from 49th, and is now outside of the top 50 for the first time since 2017.

Jon Rahm’s OWGR highlights exposes major problem in golf

Scottie Scheffler currently occupies top spot in the OWGR, a scenario that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.

He is joined in the top 10 by many of his fellow PGA Tour members, with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy in second and third respectively.

READ MORE: Cam Smith says he does not think about reuniting with the PGA Tour as he discusses the future of LIV Golf instead

There is, however, space for Rahm’s teammate Hatton in the top 10, with the Englishman sitting in eighth place.

US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau meanwhile sits in 13th spot, but LIV Golf’s representation in the top 50 ends there.

But Rahm’s position particularly stands out, with the Spanish star quite clearly one of the top 50 golfers in the world, effectively making the rankings redundant at this point.

He won 11 times on the PGA Tour before his big-money move, including the 2021 US Open and 2023 Masters.

Whether players truly care about their place in the leaderboard is perhaps another debate, but the latest twist simply highlights a major problem with the current state of golf.