Less than a week since the USGA announced a direct entry exemption for LIV Golf players into the U.S. Open, the R&A have followed suit with a new exemption category for The 153rd Open Championship.
The new exemption will allow the highest-ranked LIV Golf player in the Top 5 of this season’s individual standings after the completion of the Dallas event in June who is not already exempt, to compete for the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush.
Other routes to The Open for LIV golfers include securing their places through their world ranking or through The Open Qualifying Series that include a handful of events on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour. Participation in the final qualifying events will take place in June and July.
Chief-executive at The R&A, Mark Darbon 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.”
New LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil also adds: “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.”
The 2025 Open Championship will take place between 17-20 July at Dunluce Course in Portrush.