Golf's world rankings are used to compare players from different tours and countries, to decide who gets into the biggest events and to select teams. Unlike some sports, where rankings are based on head-to-head results, golf rankings are calculated from points earned in tournaments over a period of time. Here's how they work, in plain English.
Why golf needs rankings
Professional golfers play on different tours around the world, and rarely face exactly the same field. Rankings provide a way to compare players across tours, which helps:
- Tournaments decide who to invite or exempt.
- Team captains select players for international team events.
- Fans and media compare players.
- Sponsors assess players' profiles.
Read how professional golf tournaments work.
How ranking points are earned
Finishing position
The better a player finishes, the more points they earn. The winner earns the most, with points decreasing down the leaderboard. Players who miss the cut typically earn nothing.
Field strength
Not all tournaments are equal. Events with stronger fields, measured by the rankings or performance of the players taking part, award more points. Winning a tournament against many top-ranked players earns more points than winning a weaker event.
Event status
The biggest championships and flagship events usually award the most points.
The rolling period
Points don't last forever. Most world rankings count results over a rolling period, often two years. Recent results usually count in full for a period, then their value declines gradually until they drop off. This keeps the rankings current while rewarding consistency.
Average points and divisors
Rather than simply adding up points, many rankings divide a player's total points by the number of events played, within limits:
- A minimum divisor stops players with very few events having an unrealistically high average.
- A maximum divisor means very active players aren't penalised for playing a lot.
The result is an average points figure, and players are ranked by that average.
Why rankings matter
| Use | How rankings help |
|---|---|
| Entry into the biggest events | Top-ranked players are often exempt |
| Invitations | Organisers use rankings to invite international players |
| Team selection | Captains and qualification systems use rankings |
| Career progress | Higher rankings bring more playing opportunities |
Amateur rankings
There are world and national rankings for amateur golfers, based on results in recognised amateur events. They help:
- Select fields for elite amateur championships.
- Award exemptions into some professional events.
- Select teams for international amateur competitions.
- College recruitment. Read college golf scholarships.
Read amateur golf competitions explained.
Junior rankings
Many countries and regions have junior rankings based on results in junior events. They help juniors gain entry to bigger events and are used by coaches and college recruiters. Read junior golf competitions.
Rankings for golfers with disabilities
There are also world rankings for golfers with disabilities, used for selecting fields in elite events. Read adaptive golf.
Criticisms and debates
Ranking systems are regularly reviewed. Common debates include:
- How to measure field strength fairly across tours.
- How to treat new or unusual events.
- How much weight to give to recent results versus consistency.
Changes are made from time to time, so details vary between versions.
Frequently asked questions
How are golf world ranking points calculated?
Points are awarded based on finishing position and field strength, counted over a rolling period, with recent results weighted more. Players are often ranked by their average points per event.
How long do ranking points last?
Commonly around two years, with older results gradually losing value.
Why does field strength matter?
Beating a strong field is harder, so it earns more points.
Are there rankings for amateur golfers?
Yes. World and national amateur rankings are used for event entry, exemptions and team selection.
The bottom line
Golf rankings compare players by awarding points for finishing positions, adjusted for field strength, over a rolling period. They decide entry into big events and teams, and exist for professionals, amateurs, juniors and golfers with disabilities. For more on watching the professionals, read our golf tournament spectator guide.