LIV rebels eligible for The Open will not be banned from competing at golf's oldest major in July, tournament bosses have confirmed.
Cameron Smith will be able to defend his Open title at Royal Liverpool as the R&A formally announced that defectors to the contentious Saudi-backed LIV Golf League have been given the green light to play.
The R&A have followed the lead of Augusta officials, who have stated they will not preclude LIV players from the Masters this April.