USGA Explores Major Qualification Path for LIV Golfers – Breaking News
The United States Golf Association (USGA) is deliberating a direct qualification route for top-performing LIV Golfers to access major golf tournaments. Find out the potential changes shaking up the professional golf landscape.
Golf Governing Body Considers Path for LIV Golfers to Qualify for Majors
In a significant development, the United States Golf Association (USGA), the governing body of the U.S. Open, has stated that it will consider a path for LIV golfers to qualify for major golf championships based on their performance on the LIV Golf tour.
Speaking a day before the start of the 2023 U.S. Open, USGA CEO Mike Whan acknowledged that discussions are underway regarding a direct qualification system for LIV golfers. “We’re going to talk about it this offseason, whether or not there needs to be a path to somebody or somebodies that are performing really well on LIV that can get a chance to play in that way,” Whan said. “I think we are serious about that.”
This announcement comes after LIV Golf’s concession in March regarding the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, as the OWGR board, which includes the major governing bodies and the PGA Tour, found issues with LIV’s closed-circuit system and 54-hole format.
While the details of the potential qualification path remain unclear, it could involve a standings system for the top LIV golfers not already exempt for each upcoming major. Whan was quick to note that the two open major championships, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship, are different from the invitational Masters and PGA Championship.
“We’re going to talk about it this offseason, whether or not there needs to be a path to somebody or somebodies that are performing really well on LIV that can get a chance to play in that way,” – Mike Whan, USGA CEO
Whan also highlighted that 35 LIV players were already exempt to go straight to the final qualifying stage of the U.S. Open, and some have taken advantage of this opportunity. He stated that the U.S. Open field has seen no major difference in the number of LIV golfers compared to recent years.
The USGA’s decision to consider a path for LIV golfers to qualify for majors reflects the evolving landscape of professional golf, as the sport continues to navigate the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
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