26 October 2023 , 21:10
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After speculation surfaced that LIV Golf was in talks to secure spots at The Open Championship, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers has squashed those rumours.
Earlier this month, LIV's bid for Official World Golf Ranking Status was denied. Without any OWGR points, LIV players have dropped in the rankings, restricting their chances of taking part in golf's four major championships.
There were reasons for optimism earlier this week when it was reported that the league had reached out to the R&A to increase their representation at The Open next year. When asked if the governing body would consider a special exemption for LIV golfers, Slumbers made R&A’s stance very clear.
READ MORE: LIV Golf begin talks with Open chiefs following Bryson DeChambeau demand
“ 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,” Slumbers said at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne.
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At the moment, only five LIV players have guaranteed spots at all four majors events next year due to previous victories. That list features Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.
While Slumber's comments weren't what LIV Golf was looking for, Fred Riley, the chairman at Augusta National Golf Club, provided a sliver of hope. Ridley said, "If you look back over the history of the Masters Tournament and the qualifications that have existed, we have changed those qualifications numerous, dozens of times."
As part of their bid to increase representation, LIV asked for 12 additional spots, according to the Daily Telegraph. Four more exemption spots would have been more likely.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley during the presentation ceremony of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)LIV’s request came less than two weeks after one of its stars, Bryson DeChambeau, made the same demand while discussing the rebel league’s world ranking rejection at its regular season in Jeddah.
“ I think at this point in time now that they’re not allowing it, we would love to find another way to be integrated into the major championship since I think we have some of the best players in the world,” DeChambeau said. “ Top 12 on the list, the money list, at the end of the year or the points list at the end of the year, would be, I think, obvious for the major championships to host the best players in the world at those four events each year.”
With an exception now off the table, LIV Golf will have to see how things play out before the major championships. It is something to watch, especially after stars like DeChambeau have made their feelings well known.