2022 Open Championship winner Cam Smith has delivered his thoughts on the R&A’s decision to offer LIV Golf an exemption into this year’s event at Royal Portrush.
Following a similar move by the USGA, the R&A has opened a pathway for LIV players to earn entry into the 2025 event.
Following the final round of LIV Golf Dallas, the leading player not already exempt in the top five of the 2025 Individual Standings will be awarded a place at the 153rd Open. Previously, LIV players have had to go through Open qualifying. Sergio Garcia missed out in 2024 and was critical of the R&A after being forced through the unpredictable qualifying process.
However, the Spaniard will now be able to book his spot at Royal Portrush if he performs well during the first part of the LIV Golf season.
Smith, who famously pipped Rory McIlroy to the Claret Jug at St Andrews, has now shared his thoughts on the decision.
Cam Smith reacts to LIV Golf’s Open Championship exemption
Speaking to the Western Australian, Smith claimed the decision should have been made when the breakaway league was first formed.
“I think it would have been nice to have that as soon as we moved over here, but obviously things take time,” the 31-year-old said. “I think it definitely needed to happen.”
“I feel like there are some guys out here who have missed out on spots in majors over that past couple years that deserved them so it’s good to see that they are acknowledging us. It’s hard to win out here, and it’s hard to compete, and I think we have the strongest fields in golf week in and week out. I think it will be the best thing for the game.”
US Open makes LIV Golf decision
As mentioned, the R&A’s move follows a groundbreaking decision from the USGA, which has granted LIV Golf exemptions into the US Open.
The top player from LIV, who is not already exempt, will earn a spot in the year’s most challenging major championship. Meanwhile, the top ten LIV players on April 7 will be exempt from local qualifying and instead move straight into final 36-hole qualifying.
Patrick Reed was the highest-profile LIV Golf player who failed to make it into last year’s event at Pinehurst No.2. The Texan did not turn up to his qualifying event in Dallas after making the cut at the PGA Championship.
After missing several major championships over the past 18 months, Reed will hope the latest decisions open up a clear route for him to feature in golf’s four biggest tournaments once more.
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