The Open, R&A follow U.S. Open in offering LIV Golf pathway into golf’s oldest major

The Open Championship became the second major to establish exemptions directly for LIV Golf players.

Days after the United States Golf Association (USGA) unveiled a new set of U.S. Open exemptions for LIV Golf players, The R&A released a set of their own for golf’s oldest major championship.

The leading player not otherwise exempt, who also sits among the top five players in the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings after the competition of LIV Golf Dallas on Jun. 29 will receive a spot into The 153rd Open field. This new exemption category is similar to the one instituted for this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, but the USGA’s mandate applies to those who finish among the top three players, not the top five.

“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,” said new R&A CEO Mark Darbon.

“We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.”

LIV Golf kicked off its 2025 season this past weekend in Saudi Arabia, as Adrian Meronk bested Jon Rahm by two to win the title. The Saudi-backed circuit will head to Australia this week, where thousands of fans will descend upon The Grange Club in Adelaide for the league’s biggest event of the year.

If the standings remained as is on Jun. 29, Meronk would receive an invite to Royal Portrush in July.

“We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill in a statement.

“The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports. 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. LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game. We are excited for the future of this great sport.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.