Cameron Smith and other LIV golfers cleared to play British Open

Cameron Smith will be allowed to defend his British Open title in July after tournament organisers R&A confirmed that LIV Golf members were still eligible to play.

Smith, who became the first Australian in almost 30 years to win the British Open last July, switched to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf on a deal worth a reported $140m following his victory at St Andrews.

LIV golfers were allowed to play in last year’s British Open but are banned from playing on the PGA Tour.

Royal Liverpool will host this year’s Open from July 20-23.

“We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for golfers to earn a place in the Open at Royal Liverpool,” R&A executive director of championships Johnnie Cole-Hamilton said.

“We are grateful to our colleagues at the professional tours for their support and look forward to seeing who emerges from each event to book a sought-after place in the championship this year.”

Smith, still the world No.4, and other former champs including Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen who also play with LIV will get to feature at Royal Liverpool.

Other LIV members able to play are Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau – who finished in the top 10 at St Andrews last year – as well as former major winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed.

Last year, R&A chief Martin Slumbers said banning LIV players was “not on our agenda” and that stance has now been followed through.