LIV Golfers have been waiting for years for a place to open up for them at one of the Majors, and it seems that day has come. Although some of the LIV Golfers had the opportunity to perform at the Majors thanks to previous great performances on the PGA Tour and victories at the Majors while they were still part of the PGA, the largest number of LIV Golfers were left without the opportunity to perform at the Majors.
However, good news is coming for them; Namely, the USGA has created an exemption category for LIV players who will be able to participate in the U.S. Open. This tournament will become the first to decide on such a move, causing mixed emotions among the golf public.
The US Open will be held in June this year, and one place will be awarded to the player who is among the three best in the LIV Golf individual rankings on May 19. From next year, two players will have the opportunity to perform at this Majors.
John Bodenhamer, director of the USGA championship, said in a media interview that they want to open the way for quality golfers, believing that they deserve to participate in such competitions.
“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,” said John Bodenhamer, as quoted by Reuters.
“Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.”
CEO of LIV Golf reacts
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV is delighted with this news, stressing that this is great news for Saudi-backed Tour.
He believes that golf fans want to watch the greatest players in the world at the Majors, and this is just one of the steps on the way to that.
O’Neil shares his previous views, noting that LIV wants to work with the target golf organizations, with the goal of growing golf in the future.
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