A potentially life-changing week.
Five Irishmen will be competing this week to earn a place on the LIV Golf Tour for next season.
The Saudi-backed tour controversially took many top figures in golf from the PGA Tour when it broke away in 2022, with its ludicrous prize money and signing bonuses. However, in recent months talks have been underway – with Rory McIlroy a leading figure – to merge golf’s major tours.
The LIV Golf Promotions tournament at Riyadh Golf Club begins this Thursday, as 93 players look to win and secure the one place on offer to play in golf’s breakaway league.
The top 10 will earn an exemption for all 2025 events on The International Series schedule, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Dublin’s Max Kennedy qualifies after being part of the 2024 Palmer Cup side, and as being top 40 in the amateur rankings. Kennedy narrowly missed out on a DP World Tour card, but is exempt to play on the Challenge Tour for next season.
Mark Power, Liam Nolan, Alex Maguire and Matthew McClean – who played in last year’s Masters – qualify after playing in the Walker Cup in 2023.
The first round of the LIV Golf Promotions will see 64 players compete on Thursday. The top 20 and ties will qualify for Friday’s second round with the scores reset, and they will be joined by 29 other players who received an exemption.
The top 20, after tie-breaks, will make it to the final day for a 36-hole shootout, with scores again reset.
The winner will earn $200,000 and the chance to play alongside the likes of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka next season.
Others in the field include players who were relegated from LIV last season such as South African Branden Grace, while former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood is also taking part.
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman – who is due to step down soon – said: “Building on our first and highly successful LIV Golf Promotions in 2023, the interest has only increased this year as one deserving player will earn the chance to compete in the LIV Golf League.
“The strong interest underscores the significance of creating more opportunities in our global sport to ensure current and rising stars of the game can build their careers and compete at the highest level.”
You can watch the tournament live on LIV’s YouTube channel.
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