A surprising disqualification from the Open Championship, Liv Golfer originally appeared at Athlon Sports.
The Open Championship, the oldest major golfer, is scheduled to take place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from July 17-20, 2025.
However, before golfers can reach the famous rink, they must survive two intense rounds in the final qualifying rounds. The 36-hole “marathon” was held at venues such as West Lancashire, Burnham & Bellow, Dundonald and Royal Cinqueport.
Only the top five of each site will win the coveted spot at its 153rd opening. This year’s final qualifying round featured strong conditions for the Liv -Golf Players. 14 competed in four locations.
Among the group, Majesticks GC star Sam Horsefield, 28, held high hopes after thriving in the final qualifying rounds in 2024 after making cuts at the opening last year.
However, his 2025 effort stumbled early at West Lancashire Golf Club. Through nine holes, Horsefield was over 7 years old and won 43 for the front nine.
Instead of continuing or officially withdrawing, he simply packed and left the course without notifying tournament officials. Under the R&A rules, failure to formally withdraw is disqualified.
Horsefield was therefore officially disqualified from the final qualifying round on Tuesday.
This domination underscores strict adherence to R&A protocols. Even poor performance must be handled through the right channels.
Horsefield’s decision to leave without a formal withdrawal changed what a simple abandonment of his challenge might have been a violation of the clean rules.
🚨❌🚶🏻#disqualified – Sam Horsfield of Liv Golf was dqed in DQ from the final 36 Hole Open Championship Qualifier after walking the course through nine holes without notifying staff that he had WD’. The Majesticks GC star was +7 (43) on nine holes. (Around @bunkeredgolf)) pic.twitter.com/ckoisedgkb
– Nuclr Golf (@nuclrgolf) July 1, 2025
He also highlighted the spiritual sacrifice of 36-hole qualifying shattering, especially for players traveling from the US a few days ago.
Some LIV peers like Poland’s Adrian Melonk retreated after 18 holes on official notice, but Horsfield’s misstep cost his tournament position.
As the West Lancashire drama closes, attention shifts to the remaining qualifying rounds, and who secures the final ticket for Portrush.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on July 1, 2025 when it first appeared.
