Ignoring the OWGR Backlash, LIV Golf Initiates Monetary Talks For Guaranteed ‘Open Championship’ Spots to its Affected Players

Although the OWGR shook its head after hearing the LIV Golf’s request for accreditation as a Tour, all is not lost for the Saudi-backed league. The appeal to be recognized as a tour came up for one major reason – participation in the Major Championships. LIV players feel they haven’t been assessed based on all the golf that they played in a season to be included in the field. 

The performances in LIV Golf being ignored became an issue for them with the Ryder Cup this year. Only one LIV golfer was admitted into the team despite there being a few others who were in deserving form. To remedy this, LIV Golf has taken an initiative recently. 

LIV Golf won’t rest until it gets what it wants

LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau was one of those who was particularly upset with the OWGR rejection. He insisted that at the least a top 12 roster from the current LIV season must be exempted into the field for Majors. 

Following that line of demand, LIV Golf has now approached the R&A for a discussion, as reported by the Telegraph. LIV has requested a more generous inclusion of LIV golfers in the upcoming British Open 2024 at the Royal Troon. 

Currently, five LIV golfers have secured spots in the Open: Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith. 

The talks are reportedly at an early stage, but LIV Golf is keen to push the discussion forward with speed. LIV is also considering a financial link-up to facilitate the process. 

Speaking of R&A, who are they? What does the organization do exactly? One might immediately assume that it refers to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, St.Andrews, which is not entirely wrong. But are they the same?

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Let’s clear up that confusion by looking into the R&A and what it does. 

Who are the R&A?

The R&A is an organization that oversees the British Open events and is a body of governance. The reason the confusion occurs is that it takes its name from the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, St.Andrews, which was founded in the year 1754. The golf club is equivalent to the Augusta of America. 

Now, the organization is a separate entity since 2004, which focuses on its governing responsibilities and the British Open. The distinction can be compared with the subtle difference between the PGA Tour and the PGA of America. For the unversed, the PGA Tour oversees tournaments and events, while the PGA of America is a governing body. 

Talor Gooch, who won the individual champion title this year at LIV, has not made it to the British Open despite his splendid performance. Hopefully, LIV’s fight for spots in the Open works out for the league.  

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