The R&A have snubbed LIV Golf as part of the new exemptions brought forward for this year's major at Royal Troon.
The four majors are seen as the pinnacle for all golfers and those who defected to LIV are facing a tougher task to qualify for them every year as they slide down the world rankings.
Former major winners Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson don't have to worry about their spot at The Open this summer as they already have places for the major.
A handful of other players have also guaranteed spots, including Joaquin Niemann who qualified with his win at the Australian Open on the DP World Tour.
Greg Norman has been pushing for LIV golfers to play at the majors
GETTY
But anyone else on the LIV Golf tour hoping to qualify for The Open is reliant on exemptions of qualifying through different tours.
The R&A announced changes to the exemption categories for this year's tournament with a new category created for the top-five finishers on the International Federation Ranking list.
But the LIV Golf tour isn't recognised as one of the International tours, meaning players on the Saudi-backed league need to build up their ranking in other events.
The new exemption category also creates only five new spaces, making it even more difficult to qualify.
The R&A said in a statement: "A new exemption will offer players competing on the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour the opportunity to qualify through the International Federation Ranking list.
"The leading five golfers as of the closing date of entries will be awarded places in The Open.
"The announcement comes in the same week LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman gave up on achieving accreditation with the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
"We have made significant efforts to fight for you and ensure your accomplishments are recognized within the existing ranking system. Unfortunately, OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us," Norman said.
The R&A have changed the exemptions for this year's Open
GETTY
He added: “The rankings are structured to penalise anyone who has not played regularly on an 'Eligible Tour' with the field ratings disproportionately rewarding play on the PGA Tour.
“This is illustrated by the fact only four players inside the top 50 are not PGA Tour players (Jon Rahm (3), Tyrrell Hatton (17), Brooks Koepka (30) and Cam Smith (45)) and by the precipitous decline of LIV players generally, notwithstanding extraordinary performances in LIV events.
“Even if LIV Golf events were immediately awarded points, the OWGR system is designed such that it would be functionally impossible for you to regain positions close to the summit of the ranking, where so many of you belong.”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Katie Boulter sends request to tennis bosses after earning £213,000 less than boyfriend for title
- Harry Kane to the rescue as England captain saves Bayern Munich's season in big Champions League win vs Lazio
- 'I can't wait' - Simona Halep excited for tennis return as statement released after 'outrageous allegations'
Greg Norman has already given up on accreditation with the OWGR
GETTY
The other major change from the R&A for this year's event sees any future Open champion given an exemption to compete until the age of 55 - down five years from 60.
"From 2024, players winning The Open will be exempt until the age of 55," the R&A said in a statement.
"All golfers currently exempt as past champions will be able to play in The Open until the age of 60."
