LIV Golf players handed Open exemption in major boost for breakaway series The Open will welcome an extra representative from the Saudi-backed rebel tour at Royal Portrush this July.
Past Open winners playing on LIV like Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson already earn exemption invites into the major, but the news serves as a major boost to those hoping to return to one of golf’s biggest events.
The leading player not already exempt in the top five of the Saudi-funded breakaway's standings, following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas at the end of June, will be awarded the spot at Portrush this summer, continuing a softening of the stance on the series from the majors.
LIV Golf has been given another significant boost with the breakaway series earning an extra qualification spot for The Open .
R&A chief executive 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.
