Wounds continue to be healed between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf as fans sweat on a long-awaited merger.
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf caused chaos in 2022 when it snapped up the sport’s best B-level talent with mega money offers.
Bigger and bigger names started joining, and in June 2023 the two parties, along with the DP World Tour, announced the framework of a deal.
Yet 18 months later and everyone is still waiting, but there’s been another clue that things are on the mend.
The Open, golf’s most prestigious of four majors, has announced that leading LIV players will be invited to this year’s July tournament.
The highest-ranked player from LIV’s top five who don’t already have an exemption will be offered a spot in Royal Portrush.
Announcing the step, Mark Darbon, CEO of The Royal & Ancient 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.”
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil commented: “We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward.
“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.
“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.”
The news won’t impact LIV’s biggest names like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau who are already exempt, while former champions like Phil Mickelson are too.
But younger players who gambled on the LIV money now have a route back to prestige.
It’s also a boost for Ryder Cup legends like Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia whose route to the top looked like a thing of the past.
LIV has regularly been criticised for paying players beforehand, with little motivation to compete.
Yet this move will make a top five spot desirable, and add extra validity to the often-criticised breakaway league.