Official World Golf Ranking announces 2008 Masters champion as its next chairman

The Official World Golf Ranking, otherwise known as OWGR, has a new chairman. According to the official OWGR X account, Trevor Immelman is taking over.

The 2008 Masters champion will succeed Peter Dawson, who has been in the position since 2016.

Immelman, a South African, will be just the third chairman since 2004. He and the OWGR are aiming to add a new points distribution curve for tournaments with Low Field Rating, and they're adding the PGA Tour of Taiwan to the rankings moving forward.

The former Major-winner has clearly been busy with OWGR, and he said in a statement via ESPN:

"The Official World Golf Ranking has always been a huge part of my life and professional career. Growing up in South Africa and falling in love with the game as a youngster, the ranking system was how I tracked and followed my favorite players and understood who the best players in the world were."

Immelman also recently served as the International Team captain for the Presidents Cup in 2022. He added in his statement that being a player meant that he knew how valuable the world ranking truly was.

He said:

"I knew being in the top 50 allowed me to play in the biggest tournaments around the world. I am extremely honored to follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Bonallack and Peter Dawson as chairman, and I look forward to working closely with board members to ensure OWGR remains committed to its mission."

The OWGR remains the preeminent ranking database for the sport of golf, although it's been involved with some controversies over the last couple of years with LIV Golf's formation.

LIV tournaments offer no OWGR points despite trying frequently to get them. The world ranking governing body declined them last year. The only way players like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, or Phil Mickelson can earn points and improve their ranking is in the Majors or in sponsored events, which aren't all that common for LIV players.

---

Outgoing Official World Golf Ranking chairman offers up statement

For the last eight years and change, Peter Dawson helmed the Official World Golf Ranking. Under his watch, they expanded from 16 recognized tours to 24 and revamped its mechanisms for ranking golfers globally.

Peter Dawson is leaving the Official World Golf Ranking (Image via Getty)

He said via ESPN:

"It has been a privilege to serve as chairman of OWGR and to work with the board to serve men's professional golf. OWGR provides an important framework and is continuing to evolve and improve while remaining true to its mission. I wish Trevor the very best and I'm sure he will carry out the role with distinction."

Trevor Immelman, the new chairman, ranked as high as 12th in the world in 2006 during his playing career.