In a decision that went somewhat under the radar, Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion and prominent CBS golf analyst, was named the new Chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) following a meeting of the OWGR Governing Board earlier this month at Augusta National Golf Club.

Immelman, who assumed the role on April 10, 2025, succeeds Peter Dawson, who held the position since 2016. The announcement has reignited criticism from some quarters, with detractors arguing it signals deeper collusion among golf’s establishment to marginalize LIV Golf by denying its players access to world-ranking points.

The 45-year-old South African brings a brief but decent playing career to the role. A former PGA Tour and European Tour member, Immelman claimed five titles across the two tours between 2003 and 2008, highlighted by a win at the 2008 Masters.

Beyond his playing career, Immelman has cemented his status as a pillar of the golf establishment. Since joining CBS in 2019, he has served as the network’s lead golf analyst since 2023, providing commentary for PGA Tour events and the Masters. He also captained the International Team at the 2022 Presidents Cup, a PGA Tour-controlled event, further aligning him with the traditional power structures of professional golf.

In a statement, Immelman expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the OWGR’s significance in his career.

“The Official World Golf Ranking has always been a huge part of my life and professional career,” he said. “Growing up in South Africa, the ranking system was how I tracked and followed my favorite players.

“As a professional, being in the top 50 allowed me to play in the biggest tournaments around the world. I am extremely honored to follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Bonallack and Peter Dawson as Chairman.”

However, Immelman’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism from LIV Golf supporters and some analysts who view it as evidence of a coordinated effort by golf’s governing bodies — Augusta National, the PGA Tour, the R&A, and the USGA — to maintain control over the sport’s ranking system and exclude the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

The OWGR has been under scrutiny for its refusal to grant ranking points to LIV Golf events, a decision that has severely impacted the world rankings of prominent players like Jon Rahm (currently 73rd in OWGR despite being ranked No. 3 by Data Golf) and Joaquin Niemann (OWGR No. 83, Data Golf No. 7). Critics argue that Immelman’s deep ties to the PGA Tour and Augusta National make him an unlikely candidate to address these concerns impartially.

Posts on social media reflect the polarized sentiment surrounding the decision. One user remarked, “Trevor Immelman as OWGR Chairman? The golf establishment tightening its grip. Good luck getting LIV points now,” while another expressed skepticism about reform, stating, “Who’s going to fix OWGR? Immelman? The system’s a joke.”

Conversely, some defended the appointment, with one post noting, “Immelman’s global outlook could help balance the rankings. Let’s see what he does.”

The controversy stems from LIV Golf’s ongoing struggle for legitimacy within the sport. Since its inception in 2022, the OWGR has denied LIV’s application for ranking points — forcing LIV to give up the fight, citing issues with the league’s 54-hole — despite awarding points to other tours that play 54 holes, no-cut format and limited player access.

This has restricted LIV players’ ability to qualify for majors, which often rely on OWGR standings for exemptions. While some LIV players, like Joaquin Niemann, have received special invitations to events like the 2024 Masters, the lack of ranking points remains a significant barrier.

Immelman’s past comments on LIV Golf have further fueled skepticism. In a 2022 appearance on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, he described the emergence of LIV Golf as “a giant pain in my ass,” citing its impact on his role as Presidents Cup captain and his loyalty to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Critics point to these remarks as evidence of bias, suggesting his leadership may perpetuate the status quo.

Despite the criticism, recent developments suggest potential progress. Sources indicate that Immelman engaged in friendly discussions with LIV Golf’s new CEO, Scott O’Neil, during the 2025 Masters, with talks reportedly advancing toward granting LIV events ranking points.

Such a move could address long-standing concerns about the OWGR’s fairness and relevance. However, these discussions remain inconclusive, and Immelman’s ability to navigate the complex dynamics between LIV Golf and the establishment will be closely watched.

Golf’s governing bodies have defended the OWGR’s integrity, with Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley stating in 2024, “We believe that [OWGR] is a legitimate determiner of who the best players in the game are.” Yet, the system’s perceived favoritism toward PGA Tour events, which clearly benefit by being awarded points, has led some to question its objectivity.

As Immelman prepares to take the helm, the golf world remains divided. Supporters view his experience as a player and broadcaster as an asset to strengthen the OWGR’s global framework, while detractors see his appointment as a continuation of an exclusionary agenda. With the sport at a crossroads, Immelman’s tenure could prove pivotal in shaping the future of professional golf rankings — and determining whether the OWGR can regain trust as an impartial arbiter of talent.