LIV golfers in fresh bid for Open spots

Several LIV golfers have committed to tour events in a bid to increase their chances of qualifying for this year’s Open Championship.

The R&A announced last week that LIV golfers can qualify for Royal Portrush via the league’s individual standings, but a handful aren’t resting on that olive branch.

Instead, four players who now ply their trade on the Saudi-backed circuit are hopeful of earning a spot in golf’s oldest major via the Open Qualifying Series.

A total of 15 events across 11 countries will form the race over the next five months, with three players having already earned places via the ISPS HANDA Australian Open last December.

The New Zealand Open will present the first opportunity for players this year, and new LIV recruit Ben Campbell and Lucas Herbert have already signed up for the prestigious event.

Now, his colleagues are following suit.

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Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace have been confirmed in the field of two separate events.

For Garcia and Reed, it’s a trip to Macau on the south coast of China for International Series Macau, while the South African pair will tee it up in their native open.

The International Series event is part of the Asian Tour and will take place at Macau Golf and Country Club from March 20-23, with a $2 million purse.

Three Open spots will be on the line there and at the DP World Tour’s Investec South African Open which takes place at Durban Country Club, from February 27 to March 2.

“The presence of globally recognized players alongside proven winners from The International Series and Asian Tour adds incredible depth to the competition, making this a must-watch event,” said Rahul Singh, head of The International Series, of Garcia and Reed’s upcoming appearances.

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“With so much at stake, including three places in the field for The Open, we’re set for an electrifying week of world-class golf.”

Meanwhile, Schwartzel – who won The Masters in 2011 – said of the South African Open: “It would be an amazing tournament to win as the second oldest national Open in golf.

“As a South African it would be a privilege to have that under your belt. All golfers want to win their national Open and it would mean a lot to me to do so.”

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.