Martin Slumbers and the R&A have been an open book in regard to the impending decision on whether LIV Golf members would be allowed to play in the Open.
“Let me be very clear. That’s (banning LIV players) not on our agenda,” Slumbers, a chief executive of the R&A, said in July prior to the 150th Open at St. Andrews.
Then, at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in October, Slumbers reiterated his message to Golf Digest: “We’ll go public in January/February with what we are going to do with regard to LIV golfers. But if you want a guide, go back to what I said in July. We’re not banning anyone. We are not going to betray 150 years of history and have the Open not be open.”
He’s kept his word.
The R&A has officially announced that qualifying LIV members will be allowed to play in the 151st edition at Royal Liverpool in July.
As it stands now, some of the notable LIV golfers exempt into the tournament include Cam Smith, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed.
“We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for golfers to earn a place in the Open at Royal Liverpool,” said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, the R&A’s executive director of champions. “We are grateful to our colleagues at the professional tours for their support and look forward to seeing who emerges from each event to book a sought-after place in the Championship this year.”
The Open is now the third major championship to announce LIV participation is approved, joining the Masters and U.S. Open.
The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool will be played July 20-23.
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