The
R&A has joined the USGA in introducing a new exemption to allow LIV
Golf players to secure spots in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
The
leading player not already exempt in the top five five of the breakaway
circuit’s 2025 individual season standings following the completion of
LIV Golf Dallas will be awarded a place in this year’s Claret Jug event
at the County Antrim venue.
The
new exemption complements existing qualification routes through the
FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour and
the International Federation Ranking for players competing on the Asian
Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour.
Mark
Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, said: “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.
“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.
“We
are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally
and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place
at Royal Portrush in July.”
A similar exemption category was announced last week by the USGA for this year’s US Open at Oakmont.
“We
thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this
step for the benefit of moving golf forward,” said new CEO Scott O’Neil,
who recently took over the reins from Greg Norman. “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.”
It’s
been a good few days for LIV Golf because, on top of these
announcements, events on the circuit are now being shown on ITV in the
UK.
The
R&A has also announced the schedule for the Open Qualifying Series
in 2025, with 15 events in 11 countries offering places in the game’s
oldest major.
