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From its inception, LIV Golf has struggled to get global ranking points, and its OWGR bid has been deliberately rejected. One of the main reasons behind their exclusion has been the no-cut 54-hole format of the league.However, recent developments of the PIF-backed golf league hint at an extended competitive format. Instead of being played over three rounds, all the 2026 LIV events will see golfers compete over 72 holes. Even before the Saudi golf circuit confirmed the update, reports indicated how LIV Golf was trying to appease the OWGR.The speculations started after there were some key changes in terms of pathways to the breakaway Tour. In the upcoming Promotions Event, LIV will grant two top-ranked golfers a contract for a year. At the end of the season, the same will be done based on International Series Rankings. Today, the Commissioner of Asian Tour, Cho Minn Thant, fired up those speculations surrounding LIV a bit more. Talking about Scott O'Neil, Thant said (as quoted by Bunkered):"Scott and Trevor Immelman have been having regular talks, and they’ve worked to a point where they’re very close. There have to be some small changes going forward, but I think Scott’s really open to it... they’ll probably resolve something very soon..."For those unaware, the Asian Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund have been working together for years now. LIV Golf and the Asian Tour's strategic partnership is deep-seated within the creation of the International Series. The set of elevated events has been instrumental in granting ranking points to LIV golfers since they lack global rankings. Apart from that, the International series also provides a ticket to Asian Tour talents to earn a spot in the breakaway tour."He's been a good ally" - Asian Tour commissioner Cho Minn Thant reveals honest take on LIV Golf CEO Scott O'NeilApart from teasing LIV fans with a possible inclusion in the Official World Golf Rankings, Thant shared some words regarding the Saudi PIF-backed golf league's CEO. In his statement, Thant lauded Scott O'Neil's presence and labelled him as a "good ally".According to his statement, O'Neil has helped the Asian Tour to work with LIV Golf (as quoted by Bunkered):"With Scott coming in to LIV Golf, he’s been a really good ally to work with. They’re just a lot more accessible. They’re a lot more approachable... we work way, way more closely with them now than we did two, three years ago."Thant also explained in his statement how the breakaway tour, with O'Neil in charge, has also considered suggestions from the Asian Tour. "They’ve taken feedback from us on not just on the International Series ranking spots, but eligibility for the LIV Promotions event and how we do business in this region..."It's worth noting that O'Neil has years of experience in the field. From 2013 to 2021, he was the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, where he led ownership of major teams like the Philadelphia 76ers.
