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.
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!
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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.
— Talking Truth (@HereToClarify) February 21, 2023
Awesome. Thanks for being adults R&A
— benji (@botstpetersburg) February 21, 2023
If you love golf, this is great! If you are a sanctimonious jerk off, this has probably triggered you.
— Karma Police (@JusSayin88) February 21, 2023
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.
— BillsMafiaGolf (@billsmafiagolf) February 21, 2023
Great news! Best players shall be able to play the best tournaments.
— Javi (@Javi_ortiz1234) February 22, 2023
The right decision. Should be the best players in the world no matter what league they play in
— KJ (@kendallhjay) February 21, 2023
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.
— pete audevart (@telly1474) February 22, 2023
Absolutely the right decision. Don’t think it was ever really in doubt was it?
— Andy Niven (@AndyNiven_) February 21, 2023
Obviously correct decision. It’s an Open after all
— FM (@PastaBeanFras) February 21, 2023
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
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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.
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.
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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.