R&A makes changes to The Open exemption categories but there's no concession to LIV Golf
The most significant change announced by the R&A on Wednesday was the reduction of the exemption period for past champions to compete at The Open to 55 years old; Tom Watson famously came close to winning a sixth Claret Jug just seven weeks before his 60th birthday at Turnberry in 2009
Sunday 10 March 2024 12:02, UK
The Royal & Ancient (R&A) says there has been no concession to LIV Golf for The Open, despite it becoming increasingly difficult for players to qualify due to earning no world ranking points on the Saudi breakaway tour.
The most significant change announced by the R&A on Wednesday was the reduction of the exemption period for past champions to compete at The Open to 55 years old.
As former major winners, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson have places in the field for the 152nd edition of The Open at Royal Troon in July.
Tyrrell Hatton, Dean Burmester, Adrian Meronk, Joaquin Niemann, Louis Oosthuizen and David Puig are the only others to have guaranteed spots.
- Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp | When is golf live on Sky?
- How to book Joshua vs Ngannou fight on Sky Sports Box Office
- NOW Sports Month Membership - £21 a month for 12 months
Masters champion Rahm - one of three LIV golfers with a win in the last five majors - stated how he's not a fan of the rankings system, having made the switch to LIV in December.
"I'm going to go back to what I said two years ago. I didn't think it was a good system back then," the Spaniard ahead of LIV Golf Hong Kong, which begins on Friday.
"If anything, the more time goes on, the more it proves to be wrong."
The most significant change announced by the R&A on Wednesday was the reduction of the exemption period for past champions to compete at The Open to 55 years old.
The limit, which was previously reduced from 65 to 60 in 2007, only applies to new champions, with past winners still able to play until the age of 60. Tom Watson famously came close to winning a sixth Claret Jug just seven weeks before his 60th birthday at Turnberry in 2009.
Other changes will see players competing on the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour able to qualify via one of the top five slots on the International Federation Ranking list.
An exemption has also been established for the Africa Amateur champion, with South African Altin Van Der Merwe attending this year after winning the inaugural event last month.
Watch The Players live from March 14-17 on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday March 14 from 11.30am on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the PGA Tour and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership - just £21 a month for 12 months. No contract, cancel anytime.
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!
Anthony Joshua's heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou takes place on Friday March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office with the main event expected around 11pm. Book Joshua vs Ngannou now!
