LIV Golf members will be allowed to compete in The Open

Qualifying LIV Golf members will probably be allowed to compete within the 151st version of The Open this summer season at Royal Liverpool, the R&A introduced on Tuesday.

A number of the extra notable LIV golfers exempt into the July 20-23 event embrace previous Open champions Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and reigning winner Cameron Smith of Australia.

Additionally accessible to take part are Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau — who completed within the prime at 10 at St. Andrews final 12 months — in addition to former main winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, amongst others.

“We’ve created an thrilling schedule of occasions which takes in lots of areas world wide and offers the prospect for golfers to earn a spot within the Open at Royal Liverpool,” mentioned Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, govt director of champions on the R&A.

“We’re grateful to our colleagues on the skilled excursions for his or her assist and sit up for seeing who emerges from every occasion to e-book a sought-after place within the Championship this 12 months.”

Tuesday’s information is on par with what R&A chief Martin Slumbers mentioned in July. He mentioned that banning LIV gamers was “not on our agenda.”

He doubled down on that message in October.

“We’ll go public in January/February with what we’re going to do with regard to LIV golfers,” Slumbers informed Golf Digest. “However if you would like a information, return to what I mentioned in July. We’re not banning anybody. We’re not going to betray 150 years of historical past and have the Open not be open. The identify says all of it. And that is essential. What we’ll do is be sure that there are acceptable pathways and methods to qualify.

“I am wanting ahead to seeing Cam Smith tee-up round 9:40 a.m. on the primary day of the Open subsequent 12 months. The Open must set itself except for what is going on by way of disagreements and ensure we keep true to our precept, which is to have the most effective gamers on this planet competing.”