The Open is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and attracts the best men’s golfers from leading professional tours and amateur championships to compete for the famous Claret Jug.
Each year, the exemption categories are reviewed to ensure that pathways are available into the Championship for golfers around the world.
Golf’s original major has always attracted the world’s best, and this year’s plan opens the door a little wider—including a brand-new route for LIV Golf competitors.
In a move sure to spark a few clubhouse debates, the leading LIV Golf player not already exempt who finishes in the top five of the 2025 Individual Season Standings after the LIV Golf Dallas event will clinch a spot in The Open.
“We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports.
The acknowledgement that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world. LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game. We are excited for the future of this great sport.”
STATEMENT FROM LIV GOLF CEO SCOTT O’NEIL ON NEW EXEMPTION CATEGORIES FOR THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s a fitting addition to established routes via the FedEx Cup (PGA TOUR), the Race to Dubai (DP World Tour), and the International Federation Ranking (Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Sunshine Tour).
If you’d like to see every exemption option, you can view the full list of exemptions for The 153rd Open here.
A Global Stage for the Game’s Elite
“The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers,” remarked Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A.
“Each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways 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.
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.”
Expanded Qualifying Series
Looking to get in on the action? The 2025 Open Qualifying Series schedule is already set, featuring 15 events across 11 countries—enough to keep even the most seasoned pros on their toes.
You can view the full schedule here. First out of the gates, the 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport will offer one lucky non-exempt contender a place at Royal Portrush.
This follows on from three players who have already punched their tickets via last December’s ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
In North America, key PGA TOUR stops like the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, the RBC Canadian Open, and the Genesis Scottish Open (co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour) will each hand out precious spots.
Meanwhile, on the DP World Tour in 2025, the Investec South African Open Championship (co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour) and the Italian Open will also provide chances to qualify.
Asian Opportunities and the Road to Royal Portrush
Asia-based hopefuls won’t be left out in the cold: the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, the Mizuno Open, and the KOLON Korea Open all feature slots for those aiming to tee it up at Royal Portrush.
And for anyone still outside the ropes, keep an eye on the Regional and Final Qualifying events around Great Britain and Ireland in June and July.
These tournaments welcome both professionals and amateurs who meet the entry criteria—a final shot at glory for the determined and the dreamers alike.
If 153rd Open qualification is on your bucket list, there’s never been a broader range of routes to get in.
With fresh categories, returning favourites, and global competition heating up, this year’s chase for a tee time at Royal Portrush promises more drama than ever.
Get ready for what could be the most exciting Open yet.
