OWGR blocks LIV Golf from world ranking points while new alliance with MENA Tour is reviewed

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LIV Golf’s attempt to get world ranking points through its newly announced partnership with the MENA Tour was seemingly blocked Thursday after the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) said it was given "insufficient" time to review changes to the developmental tour’s schedule. 

The MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour announced Wednesday a new "strategic alliance" with LIV Golf "which will result in LIV Golf Invitational events becoming part of and sanctioned by the MENA Tour."

Team captain Dustin Johnson of 4 Aces GC celebrates after winning the LIV Golf Invitational-Boston on the first playoff hole at The Oaks golf course at The International Sept. 4, 2022, in Bolton, Mass. (Joe Scarnici/LIV Golf via Getty Images)

According to the statement, that will immediately include the next two events — the Bangkok Invitational beginning this weekend and the Jeddah Invitational the following week. 

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The move would immediately qualify LIV golfers to receive world ranking points as the Dubai-based golf tour has been recognized by the OWGR since 2016. But the organization released a statement Thursday denying the MENA Tour’s request until the new alliance can be reviewed. 

"Notice of these changes given by the MENA Tour is insufficient to allow OWGR to conduct the customary necessary review ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok (7-9 October) and LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah (14-16 October)," the statement said. 

LIV CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman high-fives fans as he walks to the first tee during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago at Rich