It’s official! LIV Golf players WILL be handed qualifying spot at The Open
Last updated:
LIV Golf players will have a direct pathway to The Open, starting at Royal Portrush in July.
The Open has become the latest major championship to offer qualifying spots for players competing in the LIV Golf League.
The R&A announced on Monday that, starting from this year, “a new category has been introduced which will enable players competing in LIV Golf to earn a place in The Open”.
The leading player not already exempt in the top five of LIV Golf’s 2025 individual season standings following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas will be awarded a place in the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
The news comes just days after the USGA announced that a place in the US Open, starting at Oakmont in June, will be made available to a LIV Golf player.
Mark Darbon, the R&A’s new chief executive, 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.”
In a statement, Scott O’Neil, who replaced Greg Norman as LIV’s CEO and commissioner in January, added: “We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward.
“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.”
While the R&A has always been neutral in the so-called civil war that has divided the top level of men’s golf in recent years, it would be quite the shift from the body, who banned Norman – then the LIV CEO – from attending the 150th Open at St Andrews in his capacity as a two-time champion.
It’s been a good start to life at the helm of LIV Golf for O’Neil. As well as the major pathways, he has also signed the league’s first deals with major TV networks.
Maybe – just maybe – peace time in golf is closer than we thought.
What next? OWGR status for LIV? Let’s not rule it out…
The Open will take place at Royal Portrush from July 17-20.
-
LIV Golf players will have a direct route to play in The Open at Royal Portrush
