If the R&A does not announce a change to the criteria for earning spots at the British Open, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen will be able to play at Royal Liverpool next July. He won the 2010 British Open at St. Andrews. All past winners get a spot in this field until they turn 60.
After tying for second at 2021 PGA Championship, Oosthuizen was runner-up at U.S. Open. Oosthuizen is on the verge of missing the three other majors in 2023 after he tied for third at the British Open.
Golfweek last week explained how professionals earn spots in the four major championships. Each uses a different set of criteria, but maintaining a high spot at the OWGR is the primary method that elite golfers use. Golfers who are ranked 50 or higher on December 31, 2022, can expect an invitation to the 2023 Masters.
Oosthuizen was No. 49.
Since Oosthuizen was suspended from the PGA Tour, Oosthuizen has steadily risen in the OWGR’s rankings. Oosthuizen’s case is different. He has moved up from No. Oosthuizen has risen from No. 21 in July to No. 49 on November 20. 49 on November 20. Oosthuizen won’t be invited if he scores higher than 50. Oosthuizen will not be eligible for an exemption to the PGA Championship next season. Oosthuizen will need to qualify for the U.S. Open. The OWGR cutoff to be eligible for an exemption is No. 60 on the day of sectional qualification (June 6, 2023) or two weeks prior to sectional qualifying (May 23,2023)
Oosthuizen and three other LIV golfers may feel better Monday than Oosthuizen because they have been selected for the 2023 British Open field.
Traditionally, the British Open is reserved for those who place in the top 30 of the DP World Tour’s Race to Duabi. Rory McIlroy won Sunday. However, Adrian Otaegui from Spain finished 15th and Pablo Larrazabal came in 23rd. Richard Bland from England finished 24th.
They are not eligible for any of the three major championships. Their world rankings of 98 Otaegui, 86 Larrazabal and 89 Bland are also not high enough to be granted exemptions.
