Sergio Garcia seals Open return

Sergio Garcia has sealed an Open return, despite snubbing Final Qualifying next week.

The Spaniard chose not to enter the 36-hole marathon, instead hoping he’d secure his place at Royal Portrush via LIV Golf.

And Garcia, 45, has achieved just that. Following LIV Dallas, he was fourth in the league’s individual standings, enough to punch a first Open ticket since 2022.

In February, the R&A confirmed that the leading player not already exempt after the event at Maridoe Golf Club would be awarded a place.

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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.”

Garcia faced an anxious few days with his Open fate on the line, despite holding a lead heading into the event.

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An opening three-over-par round was followed by a two-over 74, leaving Europe’s all-time Ryder Cup points scorer with work to do.

One of the players in the hunt for the coveted spot was David Puig, a member of Garcia’s Fireballs GC. But the Masters champ fired a two-under 70 on Sunday to finish T25.

It means there are currently 18 LIV golfers set to tee it up in Northern Ireland for the final men’s major of the year.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s qualification could prove a timely boost to his Ryder Cup hopes this year.

He currently has work to do to make Luke Donald’s side heading for Bethpage Black in September, but his dreams of playing in an 11th edition are still alive.

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 Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.