The LIV Golf League has announced the inclusion of three new full-time members for its 2024 season, following a gripping qualification event in Abu Dhabi. Finnish golfer Kalle Samooja, Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent, and Japanese player Jinichiro Kozuma have earned their spots in the upcoming league season, showcasing their skills in a challenging 36-hole event at the renowned Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Kalle Samooja led the charge with an impressive eight-under-par across the two rounds, demonstrating his seasoned expertise and readiness for the competitive league. Kieran Vincent and Jinichiro Kozuma, both talented and promising players, were neck-and-neck with a seven-under-par each, leading to an intense playoff against England’s Laurie Canter. Unfortunately for Canter, his journey was cut short after his second shot landed in the water, while Vincent and Kozuma secured their league entries with a birdie and par, respectively.
The qualification event was a true test of skill and endurance, with 73 players entering the field, including Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who managed an even-par 72 but couldn’t advance beyond the top 20. The triumph of Samooja, Vincent, and Kozuma is a testament to their professional prowess, collectively holding 18 professional wins, with Samooja boasting 13 of them. Vincent, at 26 years old, has already marked his presence with a win at the International Series event in Vietnam this year, while 29-year-old Kozuma brings four wins to his name.
The addition of these players adds an exciting dynamic to the LIV Golf League, which is set to commence its season in February at Mayakoba, Mexico. This season will also witness the debut of renowned golfer Jon Rahm, adding another layer of anticipation and competitiveness to the league.
In a significant opportunity for emerging talents, players who secured fourth to tenth places in the Abu Dhabi event will receive full exemptions for the 2024 season of the International Series. This series, supported by LIV Golf and sanctioned by the Asian Tour, serves as an excellent platform for golfers to showcase their skills on an international stage. Among those earning exemptions are England’s Laurie Canter, South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers, Americans Zach Bauchou and Kevin Chappell, France’s Martin Trainer, and Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Suradit Yongcharoenchai.
The LIV Golf League’s expansion with these new members signifies its growing appeal and the rising competitiveness in the world of golf, promising an enthralling season ahead for fans and players alike.
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