Despite a frustrating week in Dallas which ended in a tie for 25th, Sergio Garcia secured the first-ever Open Championship exemption available to LIV golfers on Sunday.
Earlier this year, the R&A announced a new qualification system that provided an opportunity for one LIV golfer to earn entry into The 153rd Open Championship.
The leading player, not already exempt, in the top-five of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual standings following the final round of LIV Golf Dallas would be awarded a place at Royal Portrush.
Mark Darbon, chief executive at The R&A, said in a statement at the time: “The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers and each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways into the Championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours.
“We acknowledge that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places in The Open through its individual season standings as well as existing pathways.
Mark Darbon, the R&A’s CEO
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.”
The beneficiary of the R&A’s Major route turned out to be a man who has already played in 25 of golf’s oldest championships and ended as runner-up twice. Garcia finished solo second in 2007 before ending T2nd at the 2014 Open.
In terms of the qualification route Garcia took to make it into a 26th Open, it was not the week that he had envisaged as the former World No.2 finished just outside of the points at Maridoe Golf Club.
But, given the poor performances of those also in contention, it remained enough to secure the Spaniard’s safe passage through.
Garcia sat in pole position prior to LIV Golf Dallas with 78 points, but there was a 13.14-point gap down to the next four players also chasing that lone Open Championship spot. As a result, there remained every chance that Garcia could be caught up.
Our Captain is @TheOpen bound. 🏆@TheSergioGarcia secured the 2025 @LIVGolf_League exemption to The Open by being in the top five player ranking without an exemption already. pic.twitter.com/t6sz4k4JWKJune 30, 2025
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