Jon Rahm’s Resurgence: LIV Golf Points System Fuels Ranking Climb

Jon Rahm is making a significant move up the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) following changes that now award points for LIV Golf events, albeit with a modified scoring system. The Spanish golfer, formerly world number one, has leveraged the new system to quickly improve his position and re-establish himself as a force in the world of professional golf.

From Outside the Top 100 to Contender

Rahm’s ranking had fallen to 84th at the complete of 2025, and he began the 2026 season at LIV Riyadh ranked 97th, nearing the edge of the ‘top 100’. Strong performances in the first two LIV Golf tournaments of 2026 – second-place finishes in Riyadh and Adelaide – propelled him to 67th and then 54th, respectively. A recent victory in Hong Kong provided the final boost, lifting him to 36th in the OWGR.

This marks Rahm’s highest ranking since January 2025, when he held the 34th position. The trajectory highlights the impact of the OWGR points awarded to LIV Golf events, even though the scoring is not equivalent to PGA Tour events, and is more comparable to those on the DP World Tour.

LIV Golf’s Impact and Future Potential

According to Data Golf, Rahm is currently ranked 2nd in the world, trailing only Scottie Scheffler. In annual points accumulation, he currently sits 14th, with only Patrick Reed and Casey Jarvis, among players outside the PGA Tour, holding higher positions.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Rahm said, reflecting on his experience in LIV Golf. “Being able to go to places like Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore was so much fun. I hadn’t played in that part of the world and to see the crowd, the love they had for us and the support for the game, was heartwarming.”

The new points ecosystem allows a victory in LIV Golf to have significant relevance. If Rahm maintains his current form, he could potentially challenge for the world number one ranking before the end of the summer.

Ryder Cup and DP World Tour Considerations

Justin Rose, Rahm’s Ryder Cup partner, discussed Rahm’s unique situation regarding the DP World Tour. Rahm is the only player who hasn’t reached an agreement with the DPWT to combine circuits without penalty.

“There is a fairly solid precedent that the agreement they proposed was not scandalous,” Rose said. “But at the same time, I would like to see Jon pay his fines, and participate in the Ryder Cup. For me, playing in LIV was a decision that he made and wanted to make, and I agree with him for that. He’s playing good golf. He’s winning [torneos]. He is making a lot of money, and… Well, what he has achieved is undeniable.”

Justin Rose

Rose likewise noted the possibility of a compromise regarding the requirement to play six tournaments, stating, “He may be right, so maybe there is a middle ground where he would do his best to support the Tour when necessary, but not necessarily with that responsibility hanging over him.” but paying your fines is obviously step number one.

Looking Ahead

Rahm remains focused on the present, stating, “There’s a lot left, I’m going to worry about what I have to do today here in Singapore and think about Augusta when the time comes. And next week, in South Africa.” He has won in eight countries throughout his career and aims to add more to that list.

Regarding his game, Rahm expressed confidence: “I think I have been putting extremely well. That has been a great help, making more mid-range putts is something that always helps a lot. But I have been playing really good golf so I am very confident in all aspects of my game.” He also acknowledged the significance of potentially securing back-to-back wins, something he last achieved in 2023.

FAQ

• What is Jon Rahm’s current world ranking? 36th (as of March 12, 2026)
• What tour does Jon Rahm currently play on? LIV Golf League
• Has Jon Rahm won any major championships? Yes, the 2021 U.S. Open and the 2023 Masters Tournament.
• What impact has the OWGR points system change had on Rahm’s ranking? It has allowed him to rapidly climb the rankings due to points awarded for LIV Golf events.

Pro Tip: Consistent performance is key to climbing the World Golf Ranking. Rahm’s recent success demonstrates the importance of capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining a high level of play.

Jon Rahm’s resurgence is a compelling narrative in the evolving landscape of professional golf. His performance serves as a case study for the impact of the new OWGR points system and signals his intent to remain a dominant force in the sport.