More than half of LIV Golf’s roster has jetted off to the Far East this week to compete in the Hong Kong Open, a $2 million event that now offers a direct pathway into the Masters and Open Championship following a major qualification overhaul.
The Asian Tour’s International Series tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling tees off on Thursday, and for several players, it’s about much more than the prize money — it’s a golden chance to return to golf’s most prestigious stages.
Major Opportunity After Rule Change
A number of LIV Golf stars, including Patrick Reed, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Martin Kaymer, headline the field. Each of them has seen their access to major championships severely restricted since joining the Saudi-backed league, given LIV events do not award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
Now, with Augusta National and The R&A revamping their qualification systems, the Hong Kong Open winner will earn an invitation to the 2026 Masters, while the highest non-exempt finisher will secure a spot at The Open at Royal Birkdale.
While the tournament offers a $360,000 top prize, the real draw lies in the potential to punch a ticket to the majors.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Reed, the defending Hong Kong Open champion and 2018 Masters winner, already has his Augusta exemption but will be looking to defend his crown. Oosthuizen remains exempt for The Open through his 55th birthday but hasn’t played the Masters since 2023. Kaymer and McDowell, both major winners from over a decade ago, are eager for a route back to the game’s biggest stages.
Meanwhile, LIV’s younger generation — including Tom McKibbin, Caleb Surratt, and Josele Ballester — see this as their breakthrough chance.
Prestigious Stage for the Asian Tour
The Hong Kong Open, a long-standing event on the Asian Tour, has seen legends like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Colin Montgomerie, and Greg Norman lift its trophy.
Asian Tour CEO Cho Minn Thant praised the recognition from Augusta and The R&A:
“This is a phenomenal announcement for our members and the Asian region. It acknowledges the heritage and global significance of the Hong Kong Open as a gateway to the majors.”
Global Vision from Augusta and The R&A
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said the move reflects a shared commitment to growing the global game:
“The Masters has always valued international participation. This collaboration strengthens our vision of rewarding elite talent around the world.”
R&A CEO Mark Darbon echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of expanding qualification routes:
“By offering spots through national and regional opens, we’re helping showcase talent worldwide and ensuring major championship fields remain truly global.”
With 27 LIV players in the lineup — from Talor Gooch and Adrian Meronk to Paul Casey and Dean Burmester — this week’s Hong Kong Open could be the most consequential event yet for golfers seeking redemption and a return to the sport’s biggest arenas.
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