LIV Golf players have found it difficult to participate in some of the biggest golf tournaments of the year. The likes of Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson missing out on events like the Open Championship and the PGA Championship may have been one of the reasons for the drop in viewership in 2024.
Garcia may still be able to qualify for all the majors next year after his status in the DP World Tour was restored a few weeks ago. But the only major we might see Bubba Watson play is the Masters Tournament 2025. That too because he earned the right to participate in the tournament for life after winning it twice in 2012 and 2014.
Fans may be disappointed with the delay in the PIF-PGA Tour merger which will allow any LIV Golf player to take part in official events. But they will still get to see many Saudi-based league stars in the 2025 Open Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to a tweet posted by @jerichsen66, Marc Leishman has secured his spot in the 2025 British Open thanks to his T3 finish in the Australian Open this week. The Australian pro joins the list of fellow LIV Golf players who have made it to the tournament.
With Marc Leishman securing his Open Championship spot, with his T3rd at the Australian Open, there are now 11 LIV players currently eligible for the 2025 Open Championship.
— Conrad Golf Rankings (@jerichsen66) December 1, 2024
Apart from Marc Leishman, 10 other pros have earned their qualification in the 2025 Open Championship. To begin, the biggest names to qualify are the 2024 U.S. Open winner; Bryson DeChambeau, and Spanish golf giant; Jon Rahm. The 2025 edition of the tournament will be the last time DeChambeau will automatically qualify. Unless he wins the tournament or finds another route, he may not be available for the 2026 Open Championship. Rahm on the other hand is exempt from playing the tournament till 2027.
Next in line are Louis Oosthuizen, Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, and Cameron Smith who have all earned exemptions from the Open Championship till they turn 60. Oosthuizen, Mickelson, Stenson, and Smith have all won the major in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2022 respectively. This is what has earned them the exemptions.
Brooks Koepka is a 5x major winner and his last triumph was in the 2023 PGA Championship. This has earned him exemption from the Open Championship till 2027. Dustin Thompson has also earned the right to participate in the 2025 British Open as well thanks to his win at the 2020 Masters Tournament.
The last two players on the list, Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann have had amazing DP World Tour 2024 seasons. This has helped them qualify for the Open Championship 2025 along with a few other majors.
These are all the LIV Golf players who have a ticket to the 2025 British Open. More might follow soon now that the DP World Tour has reinstated many LIV Golf players into their system for the 2025 season. What other majors can these players participate in? Let’s find out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Marc Leishman participate in the 2025 Masters Tournament?
The simple answer is, no, for now. Leishman has not yet earned the right to join the green jacket event along with Joaquin Niemann, Louis Oosthuizen, and Henrik Stenson. However, he can still qualify for the tournament and other majors by participating in the DP World Tour events. The only players to have full access to majors in 2025 are Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. Tyrrell Hatton can play in the PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament. He has not yet qualified for the U.S. Open 2025.
It is worth noting that Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and previously mentioned Bubba Watson have lifetime exemptions to play in the Masters considering they have all won the green jacket previously. Patrick Reed can also play in the PGA Championship along with fellow LIV Golf pro Martin Kaymer. Lastly, Kaymer also has a lifetime exemption from the PGA Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think we will get to see more LIV Golf players join the lineup? Which other pro do you think will make the list? Share your views in the comments section.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.
Debate
Are LIV Golf players being unfairly sidelined from major tournaments, or is it justified?
What’s your perspective on:
Are LIV Golf players being unfairly sidelined from major tournaments, or is it justified?
Have an interesting take?