Open Championship 2025: Sam Horsfield Withdraws Dizzy After LIV Golf Dallas as Lucas Herbert Leads LIV Qualifiers
The road to The Open Championship 2025 took a dramatic turn for LIV Golf’s Sam Horsfield, who was disqualified during Final Qualifying at West Lancashire Golf Club. The 27-year-old Englishman, who recently competed at LIV Golf Dallas, withdrew mid-round citing dizziness after shooting a disappointing 7-over through his first nine holes.
Despite initially not disclosing his withdrawal to officials—a move that led to his disqualification—Horsfield later explained the circumstances on Instagram. “I felt completely dizzy and out of it all day,” he wrote. According to Horsfield, a disruptive night caused by a hotel fire alarm severely impacted his rest just hours before tee time. “I eventually got back to sleep around 5:30 for a 6am alarm,” he said, thanking his caddie for waking him up.
Having played three previous Open Championships and making the cut in 2021, Horsfield’s hopes of teeing it up at Royal Portrush have now faded.
LIV Golfers Face Qualifying Challenge
While Horsfield’s campaign ended early, several LIV Golf stars vied for a limited number of spots in the final qualifiers. Lucas Herbert emerged as a standout, claiming medalist honors at West Lancashire with a dominant 8-under performance, securing his ticket to Royal Portrush.
Other LIV contenders weren’t as fortunate. Harold Varner III and Andy Ogletree failed to finish within the top five required to qualify. Meanwhile, Lee Westwood and Dean Burmester earned their entries through different venues—Dundonald Links and Royal Cinque Ports, respectively.
Complete List of LIV Golfers Qualified for The Open Championship 2025
With qualification events now concluded, the list of LIV Golf players who will compete in the 2025 Open Championship is nearly finalized:
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Bryson DeChambeau
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Jon Rahm
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Tyrrell Hatton
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Dustin Johnson
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Brooks Koepka
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Phil Mickelson
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Patrick Reed
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Cameron Smith
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Jason Kokrak
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Joaquin Niemann
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Louis Oosthuizen
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Carlos Ortiz
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Tom McKibbin
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Henrik Stenson
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John Catlin
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Lee Westwood
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Lucas Herbert
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Dean Burmester
These players have earned their spots through various channels, including past champion exemptions, rankings, and successful qualifiers.
Special Invitations Unlikely for LIV Golfers
Although theoretically possible, special exemptions from the R&A are rare and unlikely to be granted to additional LIV golfers. With qualification largely tied to DP World Tour and PGA Tour memberships, the door to Royal Portrush is effectively closed for most remaining LIV athletes.
Conclusion
Sam Horsfield’s disqualification serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the path to The Open Championship can be, especially for LIV Golf players juggling hectic schedules and limited qualification routes. As the final list solidifies, all eyes now turn to Royal Portrush, where 18 LIV stars will look to make their mark on golf’s oldest major.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Sam Horsfield disqualified from The Open Championship qualifier?
A1: Horsfield was disqualified after leaving the course mid-round without notifying officials. He later cited dizziness caused by a poor night’s sleep.
Q2: Which LIV golfer qualified for The Open Championship 2025 at West Lancashire?
A2: Lucas Herbert qualified with a score of 8-under, securing medalist honors.
Q3: How many LIV Golf players have qualified for the 2025 Open Championship?
A3: Eighteen LIV golfers, including stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka, have qualified.
Q4: Can LIV golfers still receive special invites?
A4: While technically possible, the R&A rarely issues special invitations, making it unlikely.
Q5: Where will The Open Championship 2025 be held?
A5: The 2025 edition of The Open will take place at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
