British Open announcement opens door for Aussie LIV stars in latest sign golf war is ending

British Open organisers are offering a direct pathway for LIV Golf players to qualify for this year’s major at Royal Portrush, following a similar move by the US Open.

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The highest-placed player not already exempt in the top five of the Saudi-funded breakaway series’ individual standings, following the completion of the LIV Dallas event in June, will be awarded the spot.

The US Golf Association last week announced that the US Open, which takes place at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania from June 12 to 15, was offering an exemption to one leading LIV player and the R&A, which organises the British Open, has followed suit.

“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 R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.

“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.”

There are various other exemption categories for the British Open including those related to previous major winners and another linked to world rankings.

LIV players do not earn world ranking points, severely restricting their chances of qualifying for golf’s four major tournaments — the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship.

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil welcomed the move from the R&A.

“The acknowledgment that competitors from the LIV Golf League and the International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world,” he said.

The 153rd British Open takes place on the Dunluce links course at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland from July 17 to 20.

Australian Cameron Smith is one of the LIV players already guaranteed a spot in the British Open due to being a former champion. However the new ruling opens the door for the likes of countrymen Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert — currently fourth and seventh respectively in the standings — to earn starts.