World Golf Ranking Freeze, a Possibility During Suspension

Professional golf has come to a stop, much like all the other sports across the globe.

And with both the PGA and European Tours out of action until May at the earliest, a freeze to the World Ranking is being considered.

The next update won’t roll around before May 18, so there is still time to consider all the available options.

This decision could have several implications in the future, including eligibility for the Summer Olympic Games and the four majors.

The top 60 players are eligible for the majors, while the top 15 players secure an automatic spot for the Tokyo Olympics.

As of now, Tiger Woods would be left out of the field for the Olympic Games.

Rory McIlroy is the current world number 1, having reclaimed the position for the first time since 2015.

He currently sits at a 9.447 average, followed by Jon Rahm (8.480) and Brooks Koepka (7.729), the previous number 1.

The standings are determined by the players’ results over the last two years.

Unlike other sports, full points are only valid for 12 weeks and gradually decrease after that window, completely expiring once the two years roll over.

Professional Golf Suspended Until May

The PGA Tour initially intended to go through with the Players Championship, its flagship event, being played without spectators.

However, as the situation involving the coronavirus pandemic became direr, the association decided to suspend its season.

The Players Championship was called off after the first round, while the first two majors were postponed.

For now, the Tour will remain out of action for ten weeks, with no further announcements regarding new dates for the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship.

The European Tour is also suspended until May 10 at the earliest after postponing the Andalucia Masters.

First Pro Golf Player Diagnosed With COVID-19

Victor Lange, a South African player and regular on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, was the first pro golfer diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Lange reportedly tested positive for the virus on March 9, after returning to South Africa from the Estrella Del Mar Open in Mazatlán, Mexico.

The 26-year old player is still asymptomatic and is expected to make a full recovery.

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the Possible World Golf Ranking Freeze

What Will Happen to the World Golf Ranking Following the PGA Tour Suspension?

All options remain on the table, including a temporary freeze to the current World Golf Ranking points.

The standings won’t roll over before May 18, so the decision is likely to take some time.

Who is the Current World Golf Ranking Number 1?

Rory McIlroy is the current leader, followed by Jon Rahm and the previous number 1 Brooks Koepka.

When is the PGA Tour Coming Back?

The PGA Tour has either canceled or postponed all events until May 24 and is currently scheduled to return at the Charles Schwab Challenger.

Who Was the First Professional Golf Player Diagnosed With the Coronavirus?

South African golfer Victor Lange revealed this week that his March 9 test returned positive.

A regular on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, Lange tested positive after returning from the Estrella Del Mar Open in Mexico.