Reports of Open, Masters exemptions for LIV players ‘off the mark’ say organisers Martin Slumbers, Fred Ridley

Martin Slumbers of R&A: “That is completely misplaced. I would like to make it very clear that we do not discuss exemptions for the Open with anyone and we would not do so”; Augusta National’s Fred Ridley: “We currently do not expect any change to the criteria in 2024”

The organizers of the Masters and the Open Championship say they have no plans to create exemptions for LIV players in 2024.

Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau called for the creation of an exemption category to ensure LIV’s players are not excluded from the majors after the circuit’s bid for world ranking points was rejected earlier this month.

While Mickelson, DeChambeau and Cameron Smith are currently exempt from the majors after recent wins, 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia’s drop in the rankings meant he was forced to enter the final qualifier for last year’s Open and narrowly won a missed out on a place at Royal Liverpool.

Reports have surfaced. LIV golfers can receive exemptions to play in the Open and Masters

Asked at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in Melbourne whether the Open would create an exemption for LIV players, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers brought up a recent newspaper report claiming talks were already underway.

“I would say this is completely wrong,” Slumbers said.

“I would like 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’s very important that you don’t lose sight of the fact that the Open is meant to be open to everyone; that you earn your place in the field, through exemptions, and that won’t change.”

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said the criteria for April’s Masters are unlikely to change but remain “dynamic”.

“If you look back at the history of the Masters tournament and the qualifiers that existed, we changed those qualifiers countless times, dozens of times,” Ridley said.

“We look at that every year. We don’t make changes every year, but we do review them under current circumstances.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said it is unlikely the criteria for April’s Masters will be changed

“As you may recall last year, there was some speculation as to whether or not we would invite LIV golfers. We stayed true to our qualifying criteria. We invited everyone who was eligible.

“Although we do not currently expect anything to change in 2024, we are always looking at the criteria and we will continue to do so.

“Our qualifiers are very dynamic and we adapt to what we believe is in the best interests of a tournament that represents the best players in the world. We will always look at that.”