LIV golfers face more major misery with The Masters and The Open currently ignoring calls to create exemptions for rebel players: ‘We do not anticipate making any changes’
- Augusta chief Fred Ridley does not expect the entry criteria for The Masters to change
- R&A’s Martin Slumbers said it was too early to discuss qualifying for the 2024 Open
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Organizers of the Masters and Open Championship on Thursday rejected the idea that they would automatically create major exemptions for LIV golfers next year.
Traditionally, The Masters invites the top 50 players, as well as former champions, PGA Tour winners and top players from other majors.
“While we do not currently expect any changes to occur in 2024, we are always looking at them and will continue to do so,” said Fred Ridley, president of Augusta National Golf Club.
“Our qualifying criteria is very dynamic and we adapt to what we believe is in the best interests of the tournament and representing the best players in the world, so we always look at that.”
Someone suggested to Ridley that it would be a “shame” if a player like Talor Gooch, LIV Golf’s individual season winner, could not compete in the Masters.
Many players on the breakout LIV Golf tour will miss the Masters again
Augusta chairman Fred Ridley (L) does not expect the club to change its entry criteria for 2024
He provided the following response: “They made decisions based on what they thought was in the best interests of their golf careers, and we certainly respect that.”
Last April, 18 LIV Golf members competed in the Masters, including former champions Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson, who have lifetime exemptions.
Brooks Koepka and Mickelson finished in a tie for second place, four shots behind winner Jon Rahm of Spain.
As it stands now, those former champions, as well as Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau and Koepka, are the only LIV Golf players eligible for the 2024 field.
Talor Gooch, LIV’s individual season winner, is currently ineligible for a major
R&A CEO Martin Slumbers said on Thursday that it is premature to discuss the qualification criteria for The Open in 2024.
“There has been some speculation in the media lately, and I would say this is completely misplaced,” Slumbers said.
“I want to make it very clear that we are not discussing exemptions for The Open with anyone, and we would not do so at any time.
“I think it is very important that we do not lose sight of the fact that The Open is intended to be accessible to everyone, but you earn your place in the field and through exemptions, and that will not change.”