LIV pair aim to join Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm in bid to thwart Rory McIlroy

17 February 2024 , 17:18

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Dustin Johnson and his LIV Golf colleagues are raring to go (Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

LIV Golf stars Sam Horsfield and David Puig have both travelled to Malaysia to try to secure a spot at this year's Open at Royal Troon.

Golf's major season is just around the corner, as Rory McIlroy tries to end his 10-year wait for a major title. He'll also aim to win the Masters and claim the only major title that's eluded him, having previously won the Open, the US Open and the US PGA (twice).

Ranking points are not available at LIV events, which means those involved in the Saudi-backed tour must find an alternative way of qualifying for majors. Those who've won a major in the last five years are guaranteed a spot at all four of golf's big events.

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As such, the likes of Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Phil Mickelson will feature at the majors this year, despite their LIV membership. Yet Horsfield and Puig must find another way to qualify for the Open.

The pair are currently competing at the Malaysian Open on the Asian Tour, which is part of the Open Qualifying Series. Those who finish in the top three at Mines Resort & Golf Club will be awarded a spot at this year's Open, which takes place in July.

Three rounds have been completed at the Malaysian Open, with Jared du Toit of Canada leading the way on 17 under par. Puig is in contention, as he's tied fourth on 14 under par. Horsfield also has an outside chance, sitting in tied 20th on 11 under par.

Rory McIlroy is aiming to end his 10-year major wait (Getty Images)

Even if Puig and Horsfield miss out on a place at the Open, McIlroy faces a huge battle in his bid to win that elusive fifth major - with Johnson raring to go. The two-time major winner admitted as much after lifting this LIV Las Vegas trophy last weekend.

"Last year I didn’t play very well, to be honest, but it kind of goes with how much effort that goes into it too," World No.231 Johnson told reporters last Sunday.

"Obviously I could have worked a lot harder than I did. This year, I’ve got a little more drive and determination. I don’t enjoy not playing well. I enjoy playing well and being up here and talking to you guys after the weeks over and holding up the trophy."

McIlroy detailed his desire to win a fifth major after finishing second at last year's US Open. "I'm getting closer," McIlroy told reporters. "The more I keep putting myself in these positions, sooner or later it's going to happen for me."

Despite his major drought, McIlroy has been one of the most consistent golfers over the last decade. The 34-year-old is a five-time Race to Dubai winner on the DP World Tour (European Tour) and a three-time FedEx Cup winner on the PGA Tour.

Tom Blow