The R&A have confirmed that LIV Golf have been offered a qualification process into the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush this summer. The decision was announced in a statement on Monday, which will see the leading player not already exempt in the top-five of the LIV individual standings following the end of the breakaway league's event in Dallas qualify for the final major championship of the season. "The R&A has announced the qualification pathways for The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush," a statement from Open bosses read. "This year, a new category has been introduced which will enable players competing in LIV Golf to earn a place in The Open. "The leading player not already exempt in the Top 5 of the 2025 Individual Season Standings following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas will be awarded a place in The 153rd Open. "The new exemption complements existing qualification routes through the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour and the International Federation Ranking for players competing on the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour." Discussing the change to the qualification process, R&A CEO Mark Darbon said: "The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers and each year we review our exemptions to ensure that we offer pathways into the Championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours. 'We acknowledge that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places in The Open through its individual season standings as well as existing pathways. We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.” The decision is yet another monumental move for the LIV setup, who also received an exemption category into the US Open this month. Qualification into the majors has been the biggest kink in the LIV setup's armour, with the league hosting events without Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points on offer. The change from both the USGA an R&A in recent weeks is a huge step forward for the Saudi-backed league in establishing themselves at the the top of men's professional golf. When it comes to the US Open, the player not already exempt in the top-three in the LIV standards will qualify for the trip to Oakmont in June. The major boost comes just weeks into the tenure of new LIV CEO Scott O'Neil, who welcomed the USGA's decision last week. "We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan's leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf. "Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.”