R&A permits LIV players to compete at The Open

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Brooks Koepka (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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As expected, the R&A has followed the lead of the United States Golf Association and confirmed that it won’t stand in the way of any players competing in next month’s Open Championship, regardless of their ties to LIV Golf.

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia have already qualified for next month’s 150th Open at St Andrews and although they’ve been suspended from the PGA Tour, they remain eligible for the Majors, with the R&A confirming that nothing changes in that regard ahead of the July 14-17 showpiece at the Home of Golf.

“The Open is golf’s original championship and since it was first played in 1860, openness has been fundamental to its ethos and unique appeal,” wrote R&A Chief Martin Slumbers in a statement.

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“Players who are exempt or have earned a place through qualifying for The 150th Open in accordance with the entry terms and conditions will be able to compete in the Championship at St Andrews.

“We are focused on staging a world class championship in July and celebrating this truly historic occasion for golf. We will invest the proceeds of The Open, as we always do, for the benefit of golf which reflects our purpose to ensure that the sport is thriving 50 years from now.”

Many observers believe the Majors could play a huge role in the fate of professional golf. It was always going to be too soon to implement any bans on LIV bound golfers this year but from 2023, that could prove different and it will be Augusta National Golf Club next April who could set a whole new criteria of eligibility, ultimately posing the question to players; what’s more important to you, money, or Majors?

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