9 LIV Golf superstars will miss British Open, including the 2023 winner…Full list👇
LIV Golf’s emergence as a PGA Tour contender divided the golfing world and shocked the sport, but it came as a major blow to its stars who defected to the Saudi-backed tour. Because LIV is not recognised by the Official World Golf Rankings, its rankings can only be protected by elimination, so players must take part in qualifying tournaments. Ahead of the fourth and final major tournament of the year, nine LIV golf stars, including the 2023 individual overall winner, will not be competing in the British Open.
Taylor Gooch will not be competing in the British Open, despite winning three LIV golf tournaments last year, beating big names in the points race throughout the season. The LIV Golf 2023 individual champion has spoken openly about his desire to play in majors, but will decline the chance to qualify for both the U.S. Open and the British Open through final qualifying and will also not receive an invitation to a major tournament at Augusta.
On Tuesday, Sergio Garcia lost two strokes in the final qualifying round at West Lancashire Golf Club after the LIV Golf star was told he would miss the British Open. The Spaniard started the day well, posting a solid sub-70 in the first round in difficult conditions. Despite improving in the second round, the Fireballs captain missed the cut by two strokes at three under par, meaning he has missed out on a place in the British Open for the first time in several years. The Open Championship has never been kind to Bubba Watson, who has struggled to find some form on the wrong side of the LIV individual golf tournament. Aside from his annual appearance at Augusta, the two-time Masters champion – whose best finish at the Open was T23 – appears to be done playing in major league tournaments as he settles into life on the tour-backed Saudi Arabia. Paul Casey hasn’t played in a major tournament since the St. Andrews Open in 2022. The five-time European Ryder Cup star is currently playing for LIV Golf as part of Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC and opted not to play in the final qualifying round. Ian Poulter turned down the chance to play in the final qualifying round for the second year in a row. The beloved Englishman and Ryder Cup hero played in 20 British Open Championships, finishing second and third in 2008 and 2013, respectively. Instead, the Majestics GC star will be one of the favourites to win next week’s LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf Club.
Lee Westwood turned down the chance to qualify for the Open despite making his debut in the U.S. Senior Open for players aged 50 and over. The former world No. 1 has played in 27 consecutive British Open Championships since his debut in 1995, but after finishing third in Nashville, he will only make an appearance in 33rd place at LIV Golf.
Martin Kaymer, the 2014 U.S. Open winner, has decided not to take part in the qualifying rounds and will not be competing in the British Open. Upon his return to Painherst n ° 2 last month, the Caper made a reduction, but languishes in the 38th in the classification of golf liv.
The winner of Thomas Peters-Six-Time of the European tour, but the player Rangegoats GC will not dispute a single major in 2024. The Belgian is currently ranked 30th in the LIV Golf Rankings, outside the OWGR Top 300, following his withdrawal from the PGA Tour.
Graeme McDowell is a four-time PGA Tour winner, including the 2010 U.S. Open. The Northern Irishman, who has enjoyed a successful season at Smash GC with three top 10 finishes, played in the qualifying final in Kent but failed to make the field at Royal Troon, ensuring McDowell cannot afford not to play in a major tournament since 2020.