With the PGA Tour banning all players taking part in the Greg Norman-led LIV Golf Series the golf world has been awaiting the decision of the four major championships regarding the players in the Saudi backed league. Earlier this month, the USGA who run the U.S. Open alluded to its history as an “Open” event and the R&A have done likewise with the oldest of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

“The Open is golf’s original championship and since it was first played in 1860, openness has been fundamental to its ethos and unique appeal,” Chief Executive of The R&A Martin Slumbers said.

“Players who are exempt or have earned a place through qualifying for The 150th Open in accordance with the entry terms and conditions will be able to compete in the Championship at St Andrews. We are focused on staging a world class championship in July and celebrating this truly historic occasion for golf.

“We will invest the proceeds of The Open, as we always do, for the benefit of golf which reflects our purpose to ensure that the sport is thriving 50 years from now.”

The news will be welcome for Norman as he attempts to entice more big names to his Tour of 54-hole no-cut events where the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau have reportedly received eye watering sums of money to join. In the last 24 hours it was also reported by The Telegraph that Brooks Koepka would jump ship from the PGA Tour.

Norman himself made a public plea to play The Open this year as a past champion whose exemption had ended once he passed 60 in celebration of the anniversary but was not given a special exemption and did not attempt to qualify. 

Set to be played July 14-17 on The Old Course, the 150th Open is the final men’s major of the year, with Augusta National (The Masters) and PGA of America (PGA Championship) yet to make their position on LIV players public.