LIV series golfers will be allowed to compete at The Open at St Andrews

The R&A has confirmed that players who have signed up for the LIV Golf Series will be allowed to compete at the Open next month.

The controversial Saudi-backed tour has attracted a number of top players but caused a split in the sport, with the PGA Tour banning everyone who took place in the first LIV tournament last month.

The US Open did permit those players to take part in last week’s major, and the organisers of the 150th Open have followed suit.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers made their position clear in a statement, saying those who had qualified were welcome at St Andrews.

“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,” he said chief executive Martin Slumbers.

“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 150th Open takes place at St Andrews from July 10th-17th.