One of the biggest controversies in golf at the moment is that of LIV Golf players’ participation. While the PGA Tour has placed an indefinite ban on the defectors, many assumed that they would also not be allowed to compete in the major championships. But all these presumptions were blown out of the water when Augusta officials made their stance clear last year. And now The Open Championship too has made a decision.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Golf world sings the praises of the R&A
In December last year, the Masters announced that it would allow LIV golfers to compete amongst its ranks. And ever since then, golf fans have been wondering which way the other three major championships will swing. Well, with news about the Open Championship, they now have to wonder for only 2!
Read More – PGA Tour Makes a Powerful ‘War-Time Deal’ to Stop Further LIV Golf Growth
As per a recent Golf Digest report, the R&A announced that the major championship at Royal Liverpool this year will also have Breakaway Tour players take the field. So, the defector, Cameron Smith, will now also have a chance to defend his title. With this decision, the R&A had won over the majority of the golf world, who took to Twitter to voice their support.
That is the technical definition of an open. Anybody should be able to play a qualified.
Awesome. Thanks for being adults R&A
The fans stated that there was no other way major championships should be played other than with all the world’s best players. And that certainly means LIV Golfers on the course.
Nobody wants to watch a major that doesn’t include the best players.
Great news! Best players shall be able to play the best tournaments.
The right decision. Should be the best players in the world no matter what league they play in
Many fans were undoubtedly certain that the R&A had taken the correct call, and openly thanked them for it. Other claimed it would be really good to watch players from both sides on the course.
It will be neat to see these guys a couple times a year.
Obviously correct decision. It’s an Open after all
Do you agree with the major championship’s decision? Or do you stand against both them and the majority of the golf community?
The Open will remain open to all, including LIV Golf defectors
Although the news is recent, this particular response had been expected from the R&A. Last fall, the chief, Martin Slumbers, confirmed his stance on LIV golfers. “We are not going to betray 150 years of history and have the Open not be open,” he stated. “We’re not banning anyone.” The Chief certainly stood by his words.
Getty
MEMPHIS, TN – AUGUST 06: Phil Mickelson gives a thumbs up to the crowd at the No. 18 green during the second round of the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, August 6, 2021 at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
All the past champions, including the LIV golfers, will be invited onto the field this year. The defectors who placed in the top 30 in the Race to Dubai standings and the 2022 FedEx Cup standings will additionally also receive invites. Hence, The Claret Jug is now up for grabs by anyone! And the major championship battle is bound to be entertaining and full of drama.
Watch This Story – PGA Tour Loyalist Justin Thomas Takes a Sharp Dig at Greg Norman and LIV Golf
The 151st Open Championship will be played as it always has been in the past: open to all. They won’t discriminate against the defectors. And many in the golf world believe that that’s exactly how majors should be played. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.