Organizers for the Masters and Open Championship on Thursday dismissed the notion that they would create automatic major exemptions for LIV golfers next year.
“While we do not at this time anticipate making any changes in 2024, we do always look at them and we will continue to do that,” Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said in regard to the Masters. “Our qualification criteria are very much dynamic, and we adjust to what we feel is in the best interests of the tournament representing the best players in the world, so we always look at that.”
When a reporter said it would be a “shame” if a player such as LIV Golf’s individual season-long points winner Talor Gooch wasn’t able to compete in the Masters, Ridley offered 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 — with Brooks Koepka and Mickelson finishing in a tie for second place, four shots behind winner Jon Rahm of Spain.
Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith of Australia are the lone LIV Golf members currently eligible for the 2024 Masters field.
R&A chief executive officer Martin Slumbers said Thursday that it was premature to discuss the qualification criteria for The Open in 2024.
“There has been some speculation in the media recently, and I would say that it is completely off the mark,” Slumbers said. “I would like to make it very clear that exemptions for The Open, we do not discuss them with anyone, nor would we at any point in time.
“I think it’s very important that we don’t lose sight of the fact that The Open is intended to be open to everybody, but you earn your place in the field and through exemptions, and that won’t change.”
–Field Level Media