[Golf Topic] The Open "LIV Golf Players Allowed to Participate"... Koepka Joins LIV

by Roh Woolae

Published 23 Jun.2022 08:08(KST)

The Open Championship Trophy 'Claret Jug'

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…Players who have entered the LIV Golf Invitational Series are expected to participate in the season's final major, The Open, next month.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), which organizes The Open, announced on the 23rd (Korean time), "The Open, established in 1860, is the oldest tournament with openness as its spirit and unique charm," adding, "Players who have qualified for this year's Open can participate in the tournament." Martin Slumbers, the CEO, also said, "We are committed to hosting a world-class tournament in July," and "We will also celebrate the historic moment of the 150th edition."

Although LIV Golf was not directly mentioned, the emphasis on 'openness' and the statement that 'players who have qualified can participate' is interpreted as an indication that the door is open to all players. The PGA Tour imposed severe sanctions earlier this month on players who participated in the LIV Invitational Series opening event held in London, England, preventing them from competing in PGA Tour-sanctioned events going forward.

This year's Open will be held from July 14 for four days at the Old Course at St Andrews Links in Scotland, known as the 'birthplace of golf.' 'Major hunter' Brooks Koepka (USA) officially announced his entry into the LIV Series. He deleted 'PGA Tour' from his social media profile. ESPN in the United States speculated that "Koepka likely received a bonus of over $100 million (130 billion won) upon joining the LIV Series."