## Official World Golf Ranking: Overview The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is the definitive system for rating the performance of male professional golfers worldwide, providing a transparent, credible, and weekly updated ranking based on players’ results across eligible tours and tournaments[1][3][4]. Launched in 1986 as a joint venture among the major golf tours—including the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Japan Golf Tour—the OWGR was created to offer an objective, global standard for comparing golfers competing on different circuits[1][5]. Today, it covers nearly 400 tournaments across 24 eligible tours, ensuring comprehensive global coverage[1]. ## How the OWGR Works The ranking is calculated over a rolling two-year period, with points awarded according to a player’s finishing position and the strength of the tournament field[1][2][4]. Points are maintained at full value for 13 weeks, then reduced incrementally over the remaining 91 weeks to emphasize recent performance[2][4]. A player’s ranking is determined by their average points per tournament, with a minimum divisor of 40 events and a maximum of 52 counted events[4]. The system uses a complex algorithm that factors in field strength, tournament prestige, and player consistency, ensuring that performances in majors and elite events carry greater weight[5]. ## Importance and Achievements The OWGR is not just a curiosity for fans; it is a critical career tool for professionals. A Top 50 ranking grants automatic entry into all major championships and World Golf Championships, while the rankings also influence selection for team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup[1]. The OWGR’s role in tournament qualification underscores its authority and the trust placed in its methodology by the global golf community. ## Governance and Current Status Since 2003, the OWGR has operated as a private limited company based at the European Tour Building in Surrey, England, governed by a board representing