Rahm: It's 'wrong' to not give LIV world ranking points

The Official World Golf Ranking's lack of recognition of LIV Golf still doesn't sit right with Jon Rahm.

"At this point to not give LIV world ranking points and the credibility it deserves I think is wrong," Rahm said Tuesday ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, a DP World Tour event.

Twenty-four eligible tours qualify for OWGR points, but LIV isn't one of them. LIV withdrew its application to be recognized by the OWGR board in March 2024.

"I understand we've all made a decision and it's not as easy as it sounds, but to say that LIV players don't deserve some spots in major championships I think is wrong, and I hope that evolves into what it should be, right," Rahm said.

Rahm, who's still ranked as the World No. 31 despite joining LIV in December 2023, hasn't experienced any issues qualifying for majors, but others on LIV have.

"I think Joaquin Niemann has done a good enough job for him to earn his way into major championships without invites," Rahm said. "Talor Gooch played good enough a few years ago to earn his way into majors without invites. There should be a way for us to qualify. And the world ranking points, need to figure something out because it's not fair for anybody in that sense."

Niemann failed to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Open. Gooch infamously said that if Rory McIlroy had completed his career grand slam at the 2024 Masters, the accomplishment would've had an asterisk because some of LIV's top players weren't there. Gooch played in one major last year, tying for 60th at the PGA Championship.

Rahm is set to play in Dubai this week as he continues to appeal fines from the DP World Tour for fleeing to LIV. The Spaniard must participate in four non-major DP World Tour events in order to keep his membership on the European circuit - a requirement to play on European Ryder Cup teams.

"I don't know what's going to happen, and I'm hoping they don't try to settle the appeal before the Ryder Cup. I don't think that would be good for anybody," Rahm said. "But my plan is to be at Bethpage."

The 2025 Ryder Cup takes place in September at Bethpage State Park's Black Course on Long Island, New York.