Annika Sorenstam’s Women’s All Pro Tour has accomplished what LIV Golf hasn’t managed in three years — recognition from the world ranking system.
The circumstances are quite different. LIV Golf continues to face resistance largely because most of its players are directly selected for the 54-man league, many with contracts. Trevor Immelman, chair of the Official World Golf Ranking, has cited this selection process as a key sticking point.
Sorenstam took over the Women’s All Pro Tour in 2024, and the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings announced this week that her tour will be included in the ranking system starting in 2026.
What makes Sorenstam’s tour valuable to the women’s game is its pathway to advancement. It provides direct access to the developmental Epson Tour, with the top two finishers at each tournament earning exemptions into Epson Tour events. Season leaders also gain entry into the LPGA qualifying series.
The women’s world ranking is also implementing a methodology change that benefits more players. Every golfer who makes the cut on any of the 13 recognized tours will now receive ranking points. That’s a significant shift from the previous system, where point distribution depended on the strength of the tournament field.
