It is believed that LIV Golf has paid a substantial amount to DPWT for fines so that the players can play in European events. However, a spokesperson from the DP World Tour told SI, “We met with them and listened to their proposal but did not accept it, as our view remains that the focus should continue to be on all stakeholders working together to reach an overall solution that benefits our sport.”

This leaves fans and the whole community confused as to how LIV players, except Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton (who hold the DPWT membership and have appealed against the fines), have been allowed to participate in the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Players such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed do not hold the membership of the European Tour. They are still part of the field, how? Let us tell you!

Did sponsors aid Brooks Koepka’s participation?

Brooks Koepka was able to enter the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as he got a special invite, as per Golf Monthly. This year marks his reentry into the European golf scene after more than 4 years. Koepka loves to play at Old Course and it is his favorite place in the world, “I’ve been fortunate to play in several Dunhill Links as well as two Open Championships at St Andrews over the years, and these trips are always highlights of my year,” said Keopka.

There are a total of 14 LIV golfers in the field this week. Golfers like Talor Gooch, Louis Oosthuizen, Peter Uihlein, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace were sent invites directly from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Committee which is run by Richemont. Johann Rupert who is Richemont’s chairman believes in the unification of men’s pro golf and his invites are a way of showing what the possible future of golf might look like.

Individual organizers of the Championship still retain the right to invite whichever player they want. Hence, the inclusion of LIV players, while surprising, also makes sense considering the details. Other well-known LIV players such as David Puig and Eugenio Chacarra are also non-members but took their place from the courtesy of category 0c which consists of the top 10 players from within the top 30 of the Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour Australasia, and Asian Tour from the 2023-24 season.

One player, who did not receive an invite, but still made his way to the field by a good finish in last week’s event is none other than Patrick Reed.

How did Patrick Reed get an invite?

Patrick Reed is an honorary member of the DP World Tour but is not currently a ranked member as he did not meet the minimum event requirement in 2023. However, he made it in the top 10 in the Spanish Open which earned him his ticket into the Links Championship.

Fans do await the day when LIV Golf’s best will compete with pros from DPWT and PGA Tour without any hassle. So far, they re only able to witness this at events like these and majors. However, with this year’s lineup of star players that very idea seems to be possible soon. Do you think Brooks Kopeka will be able to go for his first Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title? Let us know below!