3 players earn LIV Golf spots for 2024

LIV Golf will welcome three brand-new faces to the Saudi-backed circuit in 2024.

Jon Rahm’s move is expected to open the floodgates for a new wave of signings, with rumours linking Tony Finau and Tyrrell Hatton with the Greg Norman-fronted tour.

But there was no eye-watering sign on fees this time, as the additions come after three days of drama and 72 holes of action.

A play-off was needed to confirm who would punch their ticket for 2024 at the inaugural LIV Golf Promotions event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

From a field including a major champion, former Ryder Cup players, and PGA and DP World Tour winners, the top three finishers cashed in.

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DP World Tour winner Kalle Samooja won the event, taking home the $200,000 first place prize and, most importantly, a guaranteed seat at LIV Golf’s everchanging table.

The 35-year-old Finn lifted the Porsche European Open title in 2022 and made birdie on the final two holes to claim the top spot in Abu Dhabi.

He said: “Once I came here, I knew this was the only thing I wanted to achieve. It’s a big step forward in my career.”

Samooja will be joined by Kieran Vincent from Zimbabwe and Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma.

The pair entered a nervy tussle with former LIV golfer Laurie Canter, as the two remaining spots would be awarded via a sudden death shootout.

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All three players made par on the opener before Canter found the water and made bogey to rule himself out of the running.

The Englishman played 19 times over the last two seasons and becomes one of ten players to earn exemptions into the 2024 International Series on the Asian Tour.

Jaco Ahlers, Zach Bauchou, Poom Saksansin, Kevin Chappell, Martin Trainer and Suradit Yongcharoenchai also secured exemptions.

Vincent, who will join brother Scott on LIV Golf, said: “Obviously watching my brother the whole year, seeing how life-changing it can be, I just hope that this propels my career to a whole new level.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.