EXCLUSIVE: LIV Golf stars to commit to Open qualifying as world ranking row rolls on

LIV Golf star Sam Horsfield will attempt to qualify for the Open Championship later this summer, seeking his first major appearance in two years at Royal Troon. As one of several LIV Golf players whose world rankings have plummeted since joining the breakaway circuit, Horsfield now ranks outside the top 1000, having participated in just two OWGR-sanctioned events since early 2023. The former world No. 64 hopes to earn a spot at the final major of the season by competing in one of four final qualifying events in the UK on July 2.

Earlier this week, Horsfield tried to secure a place at the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 by entering the qualifying rounds at Walton Heath. Unfortunately, he finished one-under-par, seven shots short of the required eight-under mark.

Horsfield is not alone in his quest; major champion Graeme McDowell and fellow LIV golfer Jason Kokrak will also attempt to qualify for the Open via the 36-hole challenge. Many LIV Golf players rely on this route since the league’s 54-hole events do not offer OWGR points. In March, Greg Norman informed players that LIV Golf had ceased efforts to gain OWGR accreditation, stating that even with immediate points, it would be nearly impossible for LIV players to regain their previous high rankings.

Despite calls for major tournaments to create qualification pathways based on LIV Golf performance, none of the four majors have yet adopted such measures. However, the R&A introduced exemption changes earlier this year, providing LIV players with more opportunities to qualify for Royal Troon.

“Quite a few of the (LIV) guys went and travelled and I would look at how many of them did that,” departing R&A CEO Martin Slumbers told Sports Illustrated. “We decided to create those opportunities. And I’d add there are a minimum of 16 players in Final Qualifying. We felt that is the next best step of progression on this road. We don’t want to take sides. We let the tours sort themselves out. But I think we gave every single player in LIV an opportunity to get into the Open.”