A number X users were quick to crack jokes at the expense of LIV Golf after a mini tour that plays 54-hole events was granted accreditation by the Official World Golf Ranking.
On 25 April, the governing body announced the Clutch Pro Tour, which is currently known as the Mizuno Next Gen Series, was given the green light to start receiving points.
It means golfers that compete in their events will be eligible to start receiving world ranking points from 28 April.
The Clutch Pro Tour is a direct feeder to the Challenge Tour.
In a statement, the OWGR pointed to the fact that the Clutch Pro Tour had a 36-hole cut was a crucial aspect in their decision.
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LIV officially lodged their application for points before the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews.
Whether or not LIV should have been granted points was a hot and burdensome topic for 18 months.
LIV were officially denied in their bid for points last October.
OWGR chairman Peter Dawson claimed there was no anti-LIV agenda.
It was a contention that LIV’s posterboy, Phil Mickelson, took issue with.
“We are not at war with LIV,” Dawson said as he stressed the breakaway could have points if they were happy to make a few adjustments.
LIV ended their bid for points in March 2024.
Their commissioner, Greg Norman, lashed out at the governing body.
In a letter addressed to LIV players, Norman wrote: “After spending the last 18 months in almost constant dialogue with various members of the OWGR Technical Committee and board, it is now clear that the best way forward for LIV as a league and you as LIV golfers is not through the current ranking system.
“A resolution which protects the accuracy, credibility, and integrity of the OWGR rankings no longer exists.”
Norman finished his angry letter by saying the OWGR had shown ‘little willingness to productively work with us’.
The statement from the OWGR made no mention of LIV.
It read: “After a 17-month-long application process, in which the Tour worked continuously toward the standards required to become an OWGR Eligible Golf Tour, the Clutch Pro Tour will become an OWGR Eligible Golf Tour from Week 17, week ending 28th April 2024, and its official Tier 1 tournaments, in accordance with OWGR regulations, will be eligible for inclusion in the ranking.
“The Clutch Pro Tour provides access to its official tournaments, conducted over 54 holes with a 36-hole cut, via its 2024 qualifying series held in the UAE and, for its 2025 season, an annual open qualifying school.”
The statement continued: “It also provides local and regional players opportunities, culminating with a no-cut, season-ending Championship. As such, the Clutch Pro Tour is in keeping with long-standing OWGR Eligibility and Format Criteria.
“The Clutch Pro Tour has played a pivotal role in the United Kingdom – particularly since the closure of the EuroPro Tour.
“Its organization has provided the continuation of playing opportunities and pathways for players to progress to the European Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour.”
Reacting to the statement, one X user wrote: “You guys are useless.”
Another added: “How embarrassing it must be for your staff to post this.”
This person joked: “OWGR paving the way for 54-hole golf tours to get points. Absolute trailblazers these guys are.”