Many LIV golfers struggle to qualify for the sport’s four majors because world ranking points are not awarded for doing well or winning on the Saudi-backed circuit
Professional golfers Sam Horsfield and David Puig have journeyed to Malaysia in an attempt to qualify for the upcoming Open tournament at Royal Troon.
The upcoming golf major season is approaching, with Rory McIlroy hoping to finally win a major title after 10 years. He is specifically targeting victory at the Masters, seeking to complete his collection of major titles which includes the Open, the US Open, and the US PGA (twice).
Points for ranking are not offered in tournaments organized by LIV, so players participating in the Saudi-supported tour need to seek other means to qualify for major tournaments. Players who have emerged victorious in a major championship within the past five years are automatically granted a place in all four of golf’s prestigious tournaments.
Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Phil Mickelson will participate in the major tournaments this year, even though they are not part of the LIV membership.
However, Horsfield and Puig will need to find a different method 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
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.
I acknowledge that I could have put in more effort than I did. This year, I feel more motivated and focused. I do not find joy in performing poorly. I find satisfaction in performing well, being here, talking to you all after the week is over, and raising the trophy.
McIlroy expressed his aspiration to win a fifth major following his second-place finish at the previous year’s US Open. He stated to reporters, “I am making progress. By consistently putting myself in these situations, eventually success will come to me.”
Despite facing a significant drought, McIlroy has been one of the most reliable golfers for the past ten years.
At 34 years old, he has won the Race to Dubai five times on the DP World Tour and the FedEx Cup three times on the PGA Tour.