Golfers who have chosen to defect to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series could face a ban from all four majors in 2023 as the civil war within the sport continues.
The golfing world is looking to put the saga aside this week, with all eyes on St Andrews for the 150th Open Championship.
Has as often been the case in recent months though, LIV continues to be at the forefront of all conversations at the top of the game - and this week at the famous course has been no different. The man behind the new circuit is two-time Claret Jug winner Greg Norman.
Amid all the controversy, Norman was banned from attending this week’s pre-tournament celebrations, despite being a two-time past champion. And, a similar consequence could fall the way of his LIV playing quota, report the Daily Mail.
Despite this, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers admitted that a ban of LIV Golf members was not an idea on the table, but a change to how players qualify could come into place. He said: “Looking ahead to The Open next year, we have been asked quite frequently about banning players. Let me be very clear, that's not on our agenda.
“But what is on our agenda is that we will review our exemptions and qualification criteria for the Open. Whilst we do that every year, we absolutely reserve the right to make changes as our Open Championships committee deems appropriate.
“Players have to earn their place in the Open and that is fundamental to its ethos and unique appeal. I never said the best golfers would not be able to play. We will hold totally true to being open to anybody, but we will look at whether it is an exemption or through qualification."
Those in danger of losing a spot include European stalwarts Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, as well PGA Tour stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. LIV has hosted two events so far, however its three-round no-cut format has been heavily criticised by many.
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Seemingly joining the critics, Slumber commented: “The existing golf ecosystem has successfully provided stable pathways for golfers to enter the sport and realise their full potential. Golfers are entitled to choose where they want to play and to accept the prize money offered. I have no issue with that at all.'But there is no such thing as a free lunch.
“The model we've seen at Centurion and Pumpkin Ridge (the first two LIV events) is not in the best long-term interests of the sport and is entirely driven by money. The game needs to focus on participation, greater diversity and making sure it is open to all, rather than this narrow debate.”
