The 2024 British Open will see a number of significant changes later this year.
On Wednesday morning, the R&A (Royal & Ancient) announced three changes to its eligibility criteria from 2024.
The change we believe will have the most impact is lowering the exemption age for champions. British Open champions can only receive an exemption until the age of 55, which is lowered from the age of 60.
But it only affects the winners from now on.
Previous winners with deadlines approaching, such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington, will not be affected.
Mickelson, a six-time major champion and 2013 British Open champion, is 52 years old. The clock on Father Time may be ticking if he wants to improve his career total, but at least this catch will provide him with ample opportunity to improve his career total.
Mickelson won the 2021 PGA Championship, becoming the oldest major champion in history. This earned him a five-year exemption in all majors. However, once that period expires, LIV Golf will no longer have access to the Official World Golf Rankings, potentially making it difficult to enter other major tournaments.
In addition, new exemption categories may be created to provide opportunities for other members of the LIV to qualify.
“The R&A will offer players on the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Australian PGA Tour and Sunshine Tour the opportunity to qualify for the British Open,” the R&A said in a press release.
LIV has several players who compete on these international tours.
They also announced that the African Amateur Champion will receive a future slot.
Kendall Capps is the senior editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
