The R&A has created an exemption class for LIV Golf gamers to compete in The Open, it stated on Monday, changing into the second main golf match to introduce a proper pathway for golfers on the Saudi-backed circuit after the US Open.
The main participant not already exempt within the prime 5 of this 12 months’s Particular person Season Standings following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas might be awarded a spot on the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, the R&A stated.
“The Open is a world championship for the perfect males’s golfers and annually we assessment our exemptions to make sure that we provide pathways into the Championship primarily based on outcomes achieved on the main skilled excursions,” Mark Darbon, Chief Government on the R&A, stated in an announcement.
READ | US Open turns into first main to create LIV Golf exemption
“We acknowledge that gamers competing in LIV Golf must also have the chance to safe locations in The Open by means of its particular person season standings in addition to present pathways.
“We’re proud to supply a variety of alternatives to qualify globally and look ahead to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.”
Whereas LIV Golf gamers had been eligible to play in golf’s majors, there had beforehand been no direct pathway for them into the blue-riband occasions, which meant qualification was harder for these with out beforehand present exemptions.
On February 5, the USGA created an exemption class for LIV Golf gamers to compete within the US Open.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil thanked the R&A for creating an exemption class at The Open.
“The Open Championship is likely one of the most prestigious occasions in all of sports activities,” O’Neil stated.
“The acknowledgement that rivals from the LIV Golf League and The Worldwide Sequence could have the chance to play in golf’s unique main is a real testomony to the energy of fields and the R&A’s dedication to golf followers all over the world.”
The following version of The Open might be performed from July 13-20.