The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has appointed as its new chairman, with the limelight on the ranking system more than ever amid the growth of

OWGR confirmed on Tuesday that current chairman Peter Dawson would step away from the role he has held since 2016, with former champion taking on the role from April 10. "The Governing Board of the Official World Ranking (OWGR) has appointed Trevor Immelman to become its new Chairman, beginning April 10, 2025," a statement read.

"Immelman, who won the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, will succeed Peter Dawson CBE, who has held the role since 2016."

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On the back of his appointment, the South African said: "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 favourite players and understood who the best players in the were.

“Then, as I turned professional, my focus on the rankings intensified, as I knew being in the top 50 allowed me to play in the biggest tournaments around the world. I am extremely honoured 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.”

He will take over from Dawson who has overseen arguably the most turbulent time in OWGR history following the formation of the LIV setup. He is set to leave with the breakaway still unaccredited by the ranking system, after and co saw their applications rejected due to their tournament format and relegation process.

On leaving his post, the departing chairman commented: “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.

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"I wish Trevor the very best and I’m sure he will carry out the role with distinction.” Immelman will be keen to steady the ship surrounding the rankings, which has seen its legitimacy questioned in recent seasons with LIV players unable to earn points and thus falling down the rankings.

The South African is no stranger to the breakaway league, and made his feelings clear on it when taking the post as International Team captain at the 2022 Presidents Cup. Amid the PGA Tour's ban on LIV players, breakaway league members are unable to play in the Presidents Cup.

This saw Immelman without the likes of Cam Smith, Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann for the clash with the Americans, who prevailed 17.5-12.5 at Quail Hollow. "It's a giant pain in my a**." Immelman said of LIV in an interview with at the time.

"From a Presidents Cup standpoint it’s made it uber tricky. We’re talking about team rooms - how about if I’d gone ahead and put images up of different players and then all of a sudden those guys aren’t able to be there? That gives it a bit of a different vibe... It’s been tough to see my sport get divided over the last year and see these cracks get made and the division it’s created. It’s been real tough, and I wish I could tell you it’s over. It’s not over."