Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) - LIV Golf League (LGL) organisers have announced a pathway tournament for members and Asian Tour players to earn a direct spot for the 2024 season. Abu Dhabi will play host to the event next month as part of the series under LIV Golf Promotions.
The three-day, four-round competition will take place from December 8-10 at the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The top-three finishers will secure passage through to next season’s multi-million-dollar circuit after it was decided last year to introduce a promotion and relegation basis for the 48-player elite field to the LGL, played on a team and individual basis.
The three qualifiers will be drafted into the LGL through a later draft, along with the Order of Merit winner of the International Series where a mix of LGL members and Asian Tour golfers are competing.
The tournament at the par-72 National Course in the UAE capital, which includes 36 holes on the final day, also features a $1.5 million prize purse.“In less than two years, through the launch of LIV Golf and our development of The International Series on the Asian Tour, more than 3,500 new opportunities have been created for players to compete and advance their careers at golf’s highest levels,” said Greg Norman, LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO.
“This is bringing progress to the sport on a global scale, and the world is taking notice. Open competition and meritocracy have always been a part of the fabric of LIV Golf.” Players eligible to compete in the tournament include members of the 2023 Walker Cup and Palmer Cup teams, the winners of the most recent major amateur events, top players from other tours (Japan, Korea, Sunshine Tour, Australasia) and 2023 tournament winners from the Asian Tour and Korn Ferry Tour.
The Asian Tour has welcomed the development with Cho Minn Thant, the commissioner and CEO, describing it a “an incredible, lifechanging opportunity”. The leading 25 available players from the top-40 on this year’s International Series Order of Merit (OOM), will be heading to the UAE as well as tournament winners from this season’s Asian Tour.
In addition, players ranked two to eight on the International Series earn a pass into Round 2. American Andy Ogletree is poised to win Order of Merit, helped by two victories in England and Qatar this year, and secure the automatic berth.
Added Cho: “We were already expecting a gripping end to the season before yesterday’s news, but the LIV Golf Promotions event will now bring added drama – particularly as it being held on our continent. “Judging by the performances of our members this year we know they will have an excellent chance to earn one of those ‘gold tickets’ and join Ogletree, along with Scott Vincent – who did so well to this year to keep his playing privileges,” Thant said.
Zimbabwe’s Vincent, claimed last year’s inaugural OOM, and finished this season 22nd in the LIV Golf League individual rankings to lock in a spot for 2024.
Those who finish in the top-20 and ties in Abu Dhabi from Round 1 (Friday) will advance to the next round, where scores will reset. The field will be joined by the category of players who got a bye. The top 20 players and ties following Round 2 will advance to the final day, where scores will reset once more for an intense full-day, 36-hole shootout.
The top three finishers will also earn prize money of $200,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. Players finishing fourth to 10th will receive full exemption for all 2024 events on the International Series.
