LIV Golf star Harold Varner III shut down Graeme McDowell 's Official World Golf Rankings rant, claiming he and his fellow defectors 'knew what they were getting into'. The Saudi-backed series has been embroiled in a saga in regard to ranking points, with LIV still not recognised by the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
In an attempt to secure ranking points at their recent event in Bangkok and this week's in Jeddah, LIV formed a 'strategic alliance' with the OWGR-recognised MENA Tour, co-sanctioning their events. This proved to be in vain though, as OWGR turned down the request, claiming MENA gave them 'insufficient' time to look into their new application, which included LIV events.
Following this, 2010 US Open champion McDowell was left unimpressed, claiming the ranking system was becoming 'irrelevant' and should lose the word 'official' in its name, if LIV players are continued to be snubbed.
Referencing newly crowned LIV Golf champion Dustin Johnson - who joined him in the press conference - the Northern Irishman said: "This guy standing in the middle of the three of us [Johnson], if his world ranking is inaccurate, then the whole system is inaccurate.
"I feel like LIV tried to do everything they possibly can to be legitimate in the eyes of the OWGR. The word 'Official' has to go away from OWGR if they don't take care of the players out here."
One man who also joined them in the press conference was Varner, and shortly after McDowell's comments the American star gave a much more refreshing answer when it came to the ranking dispute. Prior to the breakaway circuit's inception, those thinking of making the move were warned it could cost them their PGA Tour memberships, Ryder Cup and major eligibility and world ranking points.
Speaking honestly, Varner alluded to this when giving his answer. He commented: "For me, I think we knew what we were getting into. I think it's easy to sit here and say what could happen, what should happen. But obviously for me, I knew what was going to happen. Like, it wasn't going to be easy.
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"I think the people at LIV did an unbelievable job... because I don't know about the check marks. Honestly I could care less. I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew what could happen in my career and I accept that."
He added: "I've had a great time out here. So the world ranking thing, it's just been a part of golf for so long, and now all of a sudden some feathers have been ruffled. It's funny, though, I think. But it is what it is."
