The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, already a prestigious event on the DP World Tour, has gained extra attention in 2024 with the participation of 14 LIV Golf players. This unexpected inclusion raises questions, especially since most of these players aren’t regular members of the DP World Tour.
Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick were already slated to play, alongside Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, and Team USA’s Brooks Koepka. But how did so many LIV Golf players make their way into this week’s field?
Brooks Koepka’s Special Invite
Koepka, a non-member of the DP World Tour, received a special invite to the tournament. As a former major champion, Koepka has a long-standing admiration for St Andrews, calling it his favorite course in the world.
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton: Appealing Sanctions
Rahm and Hatton, both active DP World Tour members, are appealing sanctions imposed on them, allowing them to continue competing on the DP World Tour. This gives them a chance to retain their membership and remain eligible for future Ryder Cups. Hatton, in particular, is competing in his fourth DP World Tour event of the season to maintain his membership for 2025.
Other LIV Golfers in the Field
While Patrick Reed, an honorary member of the DP World Tour, failed to meet his membership requirements last year, he qualified for the Alfred Dunhill Links based on his top-10 finish at the Open de Espana. David Puig and Eugenio Chacarra earned spots through their strong performances on international tours, including the PGA Tour of Australasia, Sunshine Tour, and Asian Tour.
Tournament Invites from Johann Rupert
The remaining LIV players, such as Louis Oosthuizen, Talor Gooch, and Branden Grace, received direct invitations from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Committee, chaired by South African billionaire Johann Rupert. Rupert has long championed the unification of men’s professional golf and used his influence to bring together top talent from both the DP World Tour and LIV Golf for this event.
Rupert’s efforts may showcase a glimpse into the future of golf, especially if a broader deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is not reached. By including LIV players, Rupert highlights that individual tournament organizers have the authority to invite whoever they wish to compete.
LIV Golfers Competing at the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship:
- Jon Rahm
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Brooks Koepka
- Patrick Reed
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Dean Burmester
- David Puig
- Eugenio Chacarra
- Talor Gooch
- Peter Uihlein
- Branden Grace
- Matt Jones
- Hudson Swafford
- Caleb Surratt
The inclusion of these players not only enhances the field but also points to a possible future where golf’s rival circuits come together more frequently.
