The Claret Jug, symbol of supremacy at every edition of The Open, will be contested at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this July. Image courtesy Asian Tour/Getty Images.
By Rahul Banerji
The last few days have witnessed a significant shift in the attitude of the golf establishment towards the LIV Golf universe with two majors opening their doors to the breakaway league.
First, the USGA, said it was creating a new LIV Golf exemption for the upcoming 125th edition of the US Open at Oakmont from June 12 to 15.
In a statement, the USGA said, “For the 2025 championship, a full exemption will be awarded to the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19, 2025.
“In addition, a local exemption will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7, 2025.”
The R&A, under whose flag The Open is held, was next in announcing qualification pathways for the 153rd edition that will be played at Royal Portrush from July 17 to 20.
“Each year, the exemption categories are reviewed to ensure that pathways are available into the Championship for golfers around the world,” the R&A said.
“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 5 of the 2025 Individual Season Standings following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas will be awarded a place in The 153rd Open.
New routes
“The new exemption complements existing qualification routes through the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour and the International Federation Ranking for players competing on the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour.”
Mark Darbon, chief executive at The R&A, 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 chief executive Scott O’Neill was quick to respond, thanking both the USGA’s Mike Whan and Darbon for their respective initiatives to provide a platform for those on the LIV Golf, International Series and Asian Tour rosters an opportunity to qualify for the year’s final two majors.
In Asia, the R&A added, the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, the Mizuno Open and the Kolon Korea Open will all provide opportunities for golfers aiming to book their place at Royal Portrush.
LIV reaction
“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,” O’Neill’s statement said.
“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.”
Added the Asian Tour: “The Tour’s membership will have an outstanding opportunity to qualify for The Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland this summer, after The R&A confirmed this week that three events on the Tour will form part of the Open Qualifying Series.
“A total of 15 events, in 11 nations, make up the Series – helping to ensure The Open is truly a global tournament.”
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, said: “We thank The R&A for our continued involvement with the Open Qualifying Series, and the ongoing strengthening of our partnership.
Great opportunity
“This will give our members a great chance of playing in The Open, which is the goal of every professional golfer.
“John Catlin, our 2024 Order of Merit champion, qualified for The Open last year through the Open Qualifying Series and duly finished joint 16th – his best finish in a Major.
“The Series helps to shine a light on the Asian Tour’s talent pool, particularly its diversity and youthfulness, while contributing to our growing stature.”
The Asian Tour is an affiliate member of The R&A, which has led to the launch of the ADT Players Championship presented by The R&A in Cambodia last year on the Asian Development Tour.
Regional and Final Qualifying events, open to professional and amateur golfers worldwide and popular with Asian Tour members, will take place at venues around Britain and Ireland in June and July ahead of the Championship.
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