The Governing Board of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has announced the inclusion of the Clutch Pro Tour into the OWGR System.
Despite the Clutch Pro Tour events being played across 54-holes the OWGR deem it to be keeping with long-standing OWGR Eligibility and Format Criteria.
Since the closure of the EuroPro Tour the Clutch Pro Tour has played a pivotal role for players in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The feeder tour has provided the continuation of playing opportunities and pathways for players to progress to the European Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour.
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 28th April 2024, and its official Tier 1 tournaments, in accordance with OWGR Regulations, will be eligible for inclusion in the Ranking.
“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom. We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” said Chairman Peter Dawson.
It is unclear what this means for LIV Golf who have been continuously rejected from the OWGR system since its inception in 2022.
The Saudi backed tour features 54-hole no cut events and while it has some of the game’s biggest stars it has yet to be recognised as an official ranking event, meaning players competing cannot earn world ranking points.
The league’s application was rejected in October because the format was not one that “can be ranked equitably” with other tours.
LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, and a host of big name players have spoken against OWGR and the tour has since withdrawn its application for world ranking points.
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