LIV Golf forms strategic alliance with MENA Tour hoping to secure OWGR points for players

LIV Golf is taking a new step in an attempt to help their players secure Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Those who have defected to the breakaway league have been suspended by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and haven't been able to pick up points in the during LIV Golf's first five events.

Now, the controversial league backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is forming a strategic alliance with the MENA Tour.

"The MENA Tour, a feeder circuit that has staged tournaments in the Middle East and North Africa, had been shuttered for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic before staging a tournament in May. Founded by the Dubai-based Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation in 2011, the MENA Tour was recognized by the OWGR governing board in May 2016," ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported Wednesday morning. "Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that LIV Golf officials are hoping for confirmation from the OWGR governing board that its players will receive world ranking points before the start of its first event in Asia, which begins Friday at Stonehill Golf Club outside Bangkok."

The move comes as the fractured relationship between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour only seems to be growing. Last week, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy (who remains on the PGA Tour) opined that the sport was, "ripping itself apart right now," due to the conflict.

"LIV Golf CEO and commissioner Greg Norman has become increasingly frustrated that the OWGR board hasn't recognized his startup circuit, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund," Schlabach wrote.

In a news release, the MENA Tour said the, "alliance will boost the MENA Tour's development programs and immediately qualify LIV Golf for OWGR points, starting with the LIV Golf Thailand event at Stonehill this week."

"This is a very exciting day for the MENA Tour and our players," MENA Tour commissioner David Spencer said in a statement. "Through this alliance, our players will now have enhanced playing opportunities and stronger pathways. This is great news for the future of many young players on our Tour."

Per Schlabach's report, all LIV golfers will also become members of the MENA Tour through the partnership, according to Spencer. MENA events have purses of $75,000.