Leading LIV Golf player to get spot in The Open

The field for Royal Portrush will be opened up to the leading LIV Golf League player who is not already exempt for the Open Championship this year.

The spot will be given to the top-five players in the circuit’s standings after its June event in Dallas, who hasn’t already qualified.

The 153rd Open takes place on the Northern Irish club’s Dunluce course from 17 to 20 July.

One of the top LIV players will be eligible for an exemption at the US Open, which will take place from June 12 to June 15 at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, according to the USGA last week.

The R&amp, A, which manages The Open, says that “the Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers, and each year we review our exemptions to ensure we provide pathways into the championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours.”

“We recognize that LIV Golf players also have the opportunity to get into The Open through its individual season standings and existing pathways.

Joaquin Niemann of LIV received special exemptions from the Masters and the US PGA Championship, and Sergio Garcia received a US PGA invitation.

In the individual standings for the Saudi-funded breakaway circuit for 2024, Niemann and Garcia placed second and third, respectively, behind Jon Rahm.

Based on his victories at the US Open and Masters in 2021, Rahm already has an exemption for all of the majors this year.

Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are also exempt for The Open as a result of their performances in past championships.