Golf can be a cruel and complex game, particularly at the elite level. Sergio Garcia, after 26 years as a pro, was reminded horribly when he came within three feet of securing a place in the Open Championship at the Asian Tour’s International Series Macau in China.
The Macau tournament is part of the R&A’s Open Qualifying Series, giving out exemptions into this summer’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush to the top three finishers who haven’t already qualified. Seventeen LIV golfers competing have yet to earn a spot in the Open.
Several LIV players ultimately described the US Open and Open Championship news as “a good start”. Meaning that LIV’s 14 different major winners consider the group worthy of more.
Harrington, who spends most of his time on the PGA Tour Champions now, did not shy away from offering up what he believes would be a fix to bring everyone back together more often. That fix involves LIV being here to stay.
Reed was listed in the field for a sectional qualifier at Dallas Athletic Club, but never teed off. He has played in every major since the 2014 Masters.
With Patrick Reed seen taking in an AFL game ahead of LIV Golf’s Adelaide stop this week, the waters were ripe for fishing and @useGolfFACTS – either unthinkingly or simply because they do not care anymore – gobbled up the bait.
The freefall for most LIV Golf participants in the Official World Golf Ranking has been steady and spectacular since joining the alternative circuit last year, one that, unfortunately for them, doesn’t offer OWGR points.
Even amid doubts over the long-term advisability of playing events over three rounds instead of four, it is hard to argue the notion that the LIV players have deteriorated to a point where they do not belong in elite company.
Australian Golf Digest
