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40 Years of World Golf Rankings: How Borders Opened for Golf
9 Apr
Summary
- The World Golf Ranking originated 40 years ago, marking a significant shift.
- It was instrumental in opening major championships to international players.
- The ranking's evolution has influenced global golf opportunities immensely.
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Official World Golf Ranking, a system introduced on April 6, 1986, that fundamentally reshaped international golf. Initially called the Sony Ranking, it began as a list in 1968 and gained traction with the R&A, officially launching during the 1986 Masters.
Bernhard Langer, who was ranked No. 1 at the time, noted that the ranking was essential for opening doors to major championships like the Masters and U.S. Open for golfers outside the United States. Before its inception, international participation in these prestigious events was severely limited.
The ranking system evolved, becoming the Official World Golf Ranking in 1997 when major tours and championships formed a governing board. It now encompasses 25 tours globally, including LIV Golf, and is a critical factor in major championship eligibility, with the Masters taking the top 50 and the U.S. Open the top 60.
Its impact is evident in the growing number of international champions in major tournaments. From 1926 to 1993, only three foreign-born players won the U.S. Open, a stark contrast to the 13 international champions from 1994 onwards. This opening of borders allowed golfers worldwide greater opportunities and contributed to a more diverse and competitive global golf landscape.
