Report: LIV Golf set for Open exemptions

LIV Golf has reportedly landed a direct pathway into The Open Championship, starting from this year’s event at Royal Portrush.

According to The Telegraph, golf’s oldest major is set to award the Saudi-backed circuit guaranteed spots in the UK’s only major championship.

An announcement is said to be expected in the next few weeks, while the R&A, the governing body behind The Open, appears to see eye-to-eye with LIV.

Only a few years ago, the former LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman was banned from attending the 150th Open Championship that took place on the Old Course at St Andrews.

Cameron Smith won his first major in the Fife town that week before jumping ship, and the iconic venue will host The Open again in 2027.

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Meanwhile, the move comes after the USGA, professional golf’s other prominent governing body – and which runs the US Open – unveiled its own pathway on Wednesday.

For the 2025 championship to be held at Oakmont Country Club, a full exemption will be awarded to a non-exempt player inside the top three of the LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19.

A local exemption – granting a player to skip local qualifying – will be also awarded to the top ten players in the LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7.

“We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the US Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.

“Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.”

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And the latest major move means LIV has secured a double British deal, as it announced a deal to make it the only free-to-air golf in the UK.

ITVX will showcase LIV’s 14-event season, with selected live broadcasts on ITV1 and ITV4, as well as a weekly highlights package shown on ITV 4.

“This is an exciting time for LIV Golf as we look ahead to the innovative 2025 season,” said Niall Sloanne, director of ITV Sport. “This partnership delivers free-to-air coverage for fans in the UK, and we are delighted to welcome LIV Golf to ITV Sport.”

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.