GOLF
Which golfers aren’t playing at the 2024 British Open at Royal Troon?
A number of big-name LIV golfers haven’t qualified for The Open Championship, along with some PGA Tour regulars.
The 152nd British Open, officially named the The Open Championship, will take place at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from Thursday July 18 to Sunday July 21, with the world’s top golfers, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, hoping to get their hands on the famous Claret Jug.
Scheffler will be back in action for the first time since winning the Travelers Championship on June 23, while McIlroy made his return to competitive golf after a month off at the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing in a tie for fourth.
They will be two of the main attraction in a star-studded field, which will nevertheless be missing some big names. While 17 LIV players, including US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and multiple major winners Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, will be teeing it up in Troon, a number of others have failed to qualify, partly as a result of defecting from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, which offer world ranking points.
Which LIV golfers aren’t playing in the 2024 British Open?
Patrick Reed
Tried but failed to qualify by playing in the Italian Open and BMW International Open on the DP World Tour. Played in 41 consecutive majors up until the 2024 US Open in June.
Sergio García
The 2017 Masters champion played in final qualifying but failed to make it by two shots. Lost in a playoff to Padraig Harrington in a playoff in the 2007 Open and finished tied for second, behind McIlroy, in 2014.
Lee Westwood
An Open regular for three decades, making 27 appearances. Finished second in 2010. Didn’t enter qualifying.
Ian Poulter
Didn’t enter qualifying either. Finished second in 2008 and third in 2013, his best performances in 20 starts.
Branden Grace
The only player ever to shoot a 62 in the British Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Took part in final qualifying but came up short.
Talor Gooch
The 2023 LIV Golf money-winner. Was invited to play at the 2024 PGA Championship, finishing T60, but didn’t attempt to qualify for either the US or British Opens.
Martin Kaymer
The two-time major winner featured in the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No.2 but decided not to enter final qualifying for the British Open.
Graeme McDowell
The 2010 US Open champion and four-time PGA Tour winner last played in a major in 2020. Played a final qualifier but didn’t come close to securing a place in Troon.
Which other players aren’t playing in the 2024 British Open?
Thomas Detry
Having one of the best seasons of his career, tying for fourth in the 2024 US Open and 14th in the PGA Championship. Four top 10s on the PGA Tour in 2024 but came up short in qualifying.
Nick Dunlap
Hit the headlines in January by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Would’ve qualified for The Open had he retained his amateur status but turned professional after his victory and subsequently didn’t do enough to earn a place.
Incidentally, Aaron Rai, who has been in excellent form on the PGA Tour in recent weeks, and multiple DP World Tour winner Alex Noren had been set to miss the tournament but just managed to sneak in as a result of their performances at the Scottish Open on Sunday.