(Reuters) – The R&A has created an exemption category for LIV Golf players to compete in The Open, it said on Monday, becoming the second major golf tournament to introduce a formal pathway for golfers on the Saudi-backed circuit after the U.S. Open.
The leading player not already exempt in the top five of this year’s Individual Season Standings following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas will be awarded a place at the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, 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,” Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at 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.
“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.”
While LIV Golf players had been eligible to play in golf’s majors, there had previously been no direct pathway for them into the blue-riband events, which meant qualification was more difficult for those without previously existing exemptions.
On February 5, the USGA created an exemption category for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil thanked the R&A for creating an exemption category at The Open.
“The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports,” O’Neil said.
“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.”
The next edition of The Open will be played from July 13-20.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Comments