A LIV Golf rebel will play in The Open (Image: Getty)
will provide an exemption for a star for the first time at Royal Portrush, further solidifying the Saudi-backed league’s presence in the golf world. This development comes after the US Open became the first Major to extend an invitation to the highest non-qualified LIV player to compete at Oakmont in June.
Additionally, ITV has agreed to broadcast all 14 LIV events on free-to-air TV this year. The oldest Major has now introduced a new exemption category, where the top LIV Golf player not already exempt, who ranks within the top five of the individual standings after LIV Golf Dallas in June, will be granted a spot in The 153rd Open.
Although the R&A did not invite two-time Open winner and then LIV CEO Greg Norman to the 150th Open at St Andrews, LIV Golf is now an established part of the golf world, even with a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund nearing completion.
Mark Darbon, the new R&A chief executive, stated: “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.”
Prior to the commencement of the fourth LIV Golf season in Riyadh last week, the PGA Tour sought the intervention of to broker a final peace deal with the PIF following discussions with the President.
A statement from the PGA Tour expressed gratitude for his role: “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”