LIV Golf Stars Gear Up for Final Qualifying of The Open Championship
Next week, 18 prominent players from LIV Golf are set to take part in the Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, but one notable absence is golf legend Sergio Garcia. Ian Poulter, another golf icon, recently announced his intention to compete in the 36-hole qualifying event, joining a host of his LIV colleagues across four different venues in the UK, including Ryder Cup stalwart Lee Westwood.
The Open Qualifying has gained popularity among LIV players in recent years, primarily due to the league’s lack of world ranking accreditation. Garcia, a former Masters champion, has attempted to qualify at West Lancashire Golf Club for the past two years, narrowly missing the mark on both occasions. This year, however, his name is conspicuously absent from the entry list, as he focuses on securing his position in this season’s final major tournament.
Currently, Garcia holds the coveted qualifying spot for The Open through the year-long LIV standings. As LIV Golf Dallas approaches, he is keenly aware that he must fend off competition from players like Lucas Herbert, Carlos Ortiz, and Sebastian Munoz to maintain his position. Though Garcia is in a strong spot, he still has work to do this weekend to secure his entry.
The pressure is mounting for the Fireballs captain, especially since he opted out of the Final Qualifying list. If he falters in Dallas, he will face challenges in securing a spot, as confirmed by the R&A that entry for other qualification routes has closed.
Despite Garcia’s absence, a strong lineup of LIV Golf stars is ready to tackle the demanding two-round event. Poulter will not only compete but also play alongside his son, Luke, at Royal Cinque Ports, joined by Garcia’s Fireballs teammate David Puig. Former Fireballs player Luis Masaveu, now a reserve, will also participate, along with Graeme McDowell, Dean Burmester, and Peter Uihlein.
At Dundonald Links, Lee Westwood, co-captain of Poulter’s Majesticks, is set to compete alongside Adrian Meronk and Branden Grace. Burnham and Berrow will see a notable LIV presence as well, with Crushers teammates Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri in the mix. Other competitors include Caleb Surratt, Jinichiro Kozuma, and last year’s qualifier Abraham Ancer.
At West Lancashire, Sam Horsfield aims to replicate his success from 2024, competing alongside Garcia’s closest rival in the LIV standings, Lucas Herbert, as well as Andy Ogletree and Harold Varner III. The final qualifying round is scheduled for July 1, just three weeks before the prestigious Claret Jug heads to Northern Ireland.
Stay tuned as these talented golfers vie for a chance to make their mark in one of golf’s most revered tournaments!
