LIV Golf just secured another significant boost in its battle for legitimacy on the global golf stage. In a major development, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) has announced that LIV players will now have a direct qualification route into the British Open—a move that signals a shift in golf’s ongoing power struggle.
As tensions between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour continue, this decision represents another crack in the wall of resistance that the Saudi-backed league has faced since its controversial launch.
New British Open Qualification Route for LIV Players
For the first time, LIV golfers who do not already qualify through other exemptions will have a chance to earn their spot at Royal Portrush (July 17-20) through their season ranking.
Under the new rule:
- The top-ranked LIV player (not otherwise qualified) after the Dallas event on June 29 will be granted automatic entry into the British Open.
- 12 LIV players have already qualified for the major, including top names like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith.
- This move follows the USGA’s decision to offer direct US Open spots to the top three LIV players (without exemption) as of May 19.
These back-to-back decisions by two of golf’s most powerful governing bodies suggest that LIV players are gaining more acceptance in the game’s biggest tournaments.
Golf’s Power Struggle: Is a Merger on the Horizon?
The growing integration of LIV golfers into major championships hints at a softening stance from traditional golf organizations. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf have been engaged in months of negotiations, but no merger deal has been finalized.
However, these recent moves by the R&A and USGA suggest that major institutions are slowly acknowledging LIV Golf’s presence.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon confirmed that this decision was about ensuring that the world’s best players can compete, regardless of tour affiliation:
“We recognize that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places at the British through their individual season ranking,” Darbon said.
“The British Open is a world championship for the very best golfers, and each year we review our exemptions to ensure we offer pathways based on results achieved on the major professional tours.”
LIV Golf’s Growing Legitimacy—What’s Next?
With the US Open and British Open now offering direct qualification paths, the question remains: Will the Masters and PGA Championship follow suit?
For now, one thing is clear—LIV Golf is no longer being ignored.
With LIV stars securing spots in the biggest tournaments, and ongoing talks about a potential merger, the lines between traditional golf and LIV Golf are blurring faster than ever.
The battle for the future of professional golf is far from over, but with these latest developments, LIV Golf is undeniably gaining ground.