R&A makes decision on LIV Open exemptions

The R&A has confirmed that LIV golfers will have a chance to earn exemptions into The 153rd Open Championship.

One week after the USGA announced a pathway into the US Open, the St Andrews-based governing body has followed suit as part of the new qualification pathways.

Following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas, the leading player not already exempt in the top five of the 2025 Individual Season Standings will be awarded a place at Royal Portrush.

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“The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers and each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways into the Championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours, said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A.

“We acknowledge that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places in The Open through its individual season standings as well as existing pathways.

“We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil added: “We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports.

“The acknowledgement that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world.

“LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game. We are excited for the future of this great sport.”

It complements existing routes into The Open via the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour and the International Federation Ranking.

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Meanwhile, the R&A has also unveiled the schedule for the Open Qualifying Series in 2025.

Three players have already secured their Open berth at last year’s ISPS HANDA Australian Open, while the New Zealand Open will be the first opportunity for players this year.

Several events on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour will then offer players more routes into the Claret Jug showpiece before Regional and Final Qualifying events take place across Great Britain and Ireland in June and July.

You can click here to view the full Open Qualifying Series for 2025.

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.