SINGAPORE – Amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of LIV as talks of a merger with the PGA Tour continues, there is a bright spark following the recent introduction of a direct pathway into the US Open and the British Open for the breakaway series’ golfers.

In February, the two Major championships announced formal qualification paths for players from the rival tour – a first since the Saudi-backed circuit’s inaugural season in 2022 – and this has been welcomed by LIV golfers.

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson said: “Any chance we have to get into the Majors, get all of us playing together again, it’s always a good thing...

“But this is a start. This is a start in the right direction, that people recognise that LIV is here to stay and that LIV is not going anywhere, and it’s only getting better.”

The 46-year-old American was speaking at a press conference on March 13 at Sentosa Golf Club, which will host the LIV Singapore event at its Serapong Course from March 14 to 16.

Since LIV’s 2022 debut, the PGA Tour has banned LIV players from competing in its events. That has left the Majors as the only place where stars from both tours can compete against one another.

But LIV golfers do not receive Official World Golf Rankings points, which are crucial in determining entry into the Majors, limiting opportunities for players from the series to compete in the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

With the latest developments, the highest-placed golfer in the top three of LIV’s individual standings who is otherwise not exempt will earn a spot at the June 12-15 US Open.

One spot is also on offer for the July 17-20 British Open and will go to the leading player not already exempt in the top five of the 2025 individual season standings following the completion of the June 27-29 LIV Golf Dallas.

The Asian Tour’s International Series Macau from March 20 to 23 will also provide a qualification pathway to the British Open for the top three finishers who have not otherwise qualified. LIV Golf has a partnership with the Asian Tour, and more than 15 LIV players competed in International Series Macau in 2024.

While the PGA Championship and Masters have yet to offer slots for LIV golfers, the latter has handed out special invitations to them, including Joaquin Nieman...