Jon Rahm has come to the defense of fellow golfer Talor Gooch, who recently stirred controversy with his remarks about Augusta National and the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
Gooch"s comments were centered on the belief that major tournaments, such as The Masters, should ensure the presence of the world"s best players. His concern was particularly directed at the potential absence of top players like Rory McIlroy, suggesting that any major victory without the best players would carry an asterisk.
Despite Gooch"s rank at 476th in the OWGR, Rahm, and others believe he deserves consideration for major invites due to his exceptional performance on the LIV Golf circuit. Rahm, speaking ahead of the LIV Golf event in Hong Kong, expressed his support for Gooch, highlighting his outstanding performance during the last season.
“I think Talor Gooch should be under consideration to possibly get an invite into those majors," Rahm stated.
Rahm commended Gooch as the best player on the LIV Golf circuit in the past year, making a case for his inclusion in major tournaments. Gooch"s comments had brought attention to the challenges faced by players who excel in alternative golf leagues and their eligibility for prestigious events.
While Rahm acknowledged the progress in major tournaments extending invitations to players like Joaquin Niemann, who has demonstrated exceptional form, he also expressed the need for a clear path through LIV Golf for players seeking recognition on the global stage.
Fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau echoed Rahm"s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of finding a swift resolution to ensure an engaging experience for fans worldwide.
The discussion around the OWGR continues, with players and officials expressing the need for a reevaluation of the ranking system. Some have advocated for alternative ranking systems, such as DataGolf, which ranks players differently from the OWGR.
Rahm and others argue that the current criteria for the OWGR may not accurately reflect the true standing of players in the golf world. As debates around golf rankings persist, the focus remains on creating a system that better recognizes the talent and achievements of players across various golf circuits.
