A breakthrough for LIV Golf.
The R&A has officially announced that the top five LIV Golf players will be eligible for The Open Championship, a move that has drawn a mixed reaction from the golf world. But for Australian star Cameron Smith, who has long advocated for LIV Golfers to receive major recognition, it’s a victory for fairness—even if it took too long.
“I think it would have been nice to have that as soon as we moved over here, but obviously things take time,” Smith told The West Australian.
“It definitely needed to happen. I feel like there are some guys out here who have missed out on spots in majors over the past couple years that deserved them, so it’s good to see that they are acknowledging us.”
A Long-Awaited Win for LIV Golfers
Since its inception, LIV Golf has faced intense scrutiny, particularly when it comes to player eligibility for golf’s four major championships. While Smith was exempt from the chaos thanks to his 2022 Open Championship victory, many of his LIV colleagues were left in the cold—a situation that frustrated many within the breakaway league.
Now, with The Open confirming new qualification criteria, LIV Golfers finally have a clearer path back to golf’s biggest stages.
The top five players from the LIV Golf standings, following the Dallas event in June, will now earn their place at Royal Troon.
Smith: “LIV Golf Has the Strongest Fields”
While critics continue to debate LIV Golf’s legitimacy, Smith isn’t backing down from his belief that the Saudi-backed league features some of the most competitive fields in the sport.
“It’s hard to win out here and it’s hard to compete, and I think we have the strongest fields in golf week in and week out,” Smith added.
“I think it will be the best thing for the game.”
With superstars like Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Phil Mickelson among its ranks, LIV Golfers have long argued that their talent should not be dismissed simply because of their tour affiliation.
The Bigger Picture: Will Other Majors Follow?
The Open’s decision could set a precedent for other majors, particularly as the PGA Championship and U.S. Open still limit direct qualification for LIV players.
While The Masters and U.S. Open rely on world rankings—which LIV Golfers have struggled to maintain—this new move by The Open gives players an alternate pathway.
With pressure mounting, could the PGA Championship be next to open its doors?
Final Verdict: A Step Forward, But Not the End of the Fight
For Cameron Smith and the LIV Golf community, this isn’t just about eligibility—it’s about recognition. While The Open’s move won’t solve everything, it marks a significant shift in how LIV players are viewed in the sport.
The question now is: Will the other majors follow suit?
Golf’s biggest battle isn’t over yet.
