LIV Golf star explains Final Qualifying DQ: "Hope this clears things up"

LIV Golf pro Sam Horsfield says the reason why he walked out of Final Qualifying for The Open was because he felt dizzy after a sleepless night. 

Horsfield was among a number of recruits from the breakaway league who tried to punch their tickets to Royal Portrush yesterday. 

The 28-year-old Englishman decided his chances of making it to the final men's major of the year were dashed after his first nine holes. 

Horsfield carded a 7-over 43 at West Lancashire and promptly walked off the course. He was disqualified because he did not notify R&A officials. 

Such behaviour is common among professional golfers in qualifying events. 

Horsfield has now explained what happened with a lengthy statement posted on his Instagram account. 

According to Horsfield - who had to make a mad transatlantic dash from Dallas to London - he didn't land until 4pm local time and did not arrive at his accomodation until 11pm. 

A fire alarm forced him outside a 1am and, from there, he struggled to fall back to sleep. His caddie woke him up as he slept through his alarm.

"I felt completely dizzy and out of it all day," he said. "Don't listen to the propaganda out there against LIV players by some of these pages. Hope this clears things up."

Big names have mixed results

Whilst Horsfield did not make it through, a number of other LIV Golf stars did seal their ticket to Royal Portrush. 

Former World No.1 Lee Westwood will make his first start in a major championship since 2022 after he stormed through his qualifier at Dundonald Links. 

Lucas Herbert also booked his ticket at West Lancashire and Dean Burmester was among the five that qualified at Royal Cinque Ports.

It wasn't to be for former European Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter and his son Luke. 

Graeme McDowell started well but ultimately finished three shots outside of the qualifying spots.