LIV Golf is currently in talks with the R&A to secure more spots for its players at the Open Championship next year. The Saudi-funded circuit is also looking to establish a financial partnership with the governing body to promote global participation in the sport. While some may be skeptical about LIV’s commitment to grassroots development while seeking Royal Troon berths, the breakaway league believes that this collaboration would benefit both parties.
Although the discussions are still in the early stages, LIV Golf is eager to move forward, especially after its request for Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) status was recently denied. Without access to ranking points, LIV’s players have been slipping down the rankings, which could result in fewer representatives at the majors in 2024 compared to previous years.
Currently, only five LIV Golf players are guaranteed places in all four majors: Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson, thanks to their major victories. However, players like Talor Gooch, who has won three times this season and claimed the £15 million first prize as LIV’s 2023 champion, are not included in any of the majors. Despite being a highly skilled player, Gooch’s decision to join LIV Golf 16 months ago has caused his world ranking to plummet from 25 to outside the top 200.
LIV Golf argues that the current ranking system in professional golf is flawed and lacks a global perspective. The league has yet to decide whether it will revise its format and reapply for OWGR status, but its immediate focus is to engage with the majors before they finalize their qualification criteria for 2024.
The Masters, which traditionally sends out invites at the end of the year, will be the first to make a decision, followed by the US Open, US PGA, and the Open. It remains uncertain whether LIV Golf has established communication with the notoriously guarded Augusta National, but insiders suggest that channels have been opened with the R&A.
During the Dunhill Links at St Andrews a few weeks ago, LIV Golf’s chairman and governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, played alongside R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers. The issue of invitations was discussed, although the OWGR verdict had not been released at that time. Ironically, Slumbers was one of the OWGR board members who voted against LIV Golf’s inclusion.
However, Gary Davidson, acting COO of LIV Golf, believes that Slumbers and other major counterparts are genuinely interested in having the best fields possible. Davidson suggests that direct exemptions for LIV players based on end-of-season rankings into the majors would make sense, with the top 12 players being eligible.
Davidson emphasizes that this arrangement would benefit both LIV Golf and the majors, as the accuracy of the rankings currently affects the composition of the major tournaments. He also highlights the broader potential collaboration with the R&A, particularly in sustainability programs and global development initiatives. Exemptions into the Open Championship would be just one aspect of this partnership.
While LIV Golf initially proposed 12 spots for its players, it is likely that the R&A will consider a more realistic target of four exemptions for 2024. The R&A may also point out that LIV players have other avenues to qualify for Royal Troon, such as going through the final qualifying process.
As negotiations continue for a potential merger between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the PGA Tour, this adds another layer of complexity to the golfing landscape. Despite the challenges, both sides are hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.