Players from the LIV Golf League now have a qualification pathway into the Open Championship, the R&A announced Monday.
The leading player in the top five of the LIV Golf standings at the end of June who is not already exempt will earn a spot in the 153rd Open Championship on July 17-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
“The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers, and each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways into the championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours,” Mark Darbon, CEO of The R&A, said in a statement. “We acknowledge that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places in The Open through its individual season standings as well as existing pathways.”
The selection will happen after LIV Golf’s tournament in Carrollton, Texas, from June 27-29.
“We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said. “The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports. The acknowledgement that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world. LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game. We are excited for the future of this great sport.”
LIV Golf members who are already exempt for the Open Championship as past major winners include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka.
The R&A’s announcement follows a similar move announced last week for the U.S. Open by the United States Golf Association. As of May 19, the leading golfer in LIV’s top three not otherwise exempt will gain a spot in the June 12-15 tournament at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.
–Field Level Media
