The US Open grew to become the primary main to publish a direct pathway for LIV Golf gamers, on Wednesday asserting a brand new exemption class that awards one spot to the main participant from among the many prime three at LIV’s midway level this yr.
The subsequent exemption class will embrace one spot this yr from the Could 19 standings in LIV. Beginning with the 2026 US Open, the USGA will take the main participant within the last 2025 particular person standings, together with the main participant from the Could 18, 2026, listing.
In every case, the exemption goes to the main participant not already exempt, and the participant should be among the many prime three within the standings.
READ MORE: Young gun in line for Test debut as Aussies eye switch
READ MORE: Signing that will ‘make or break’ the Raiders
READ MORE: Coach’s defiant Marnus stance after training mystery
The opposite majors haven’t turned away gamers from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. The Masters has invited Joaquin Niemann every of the final two years, although Augusta Nationwide based mostly that on his worldwide play.
The PGA Championship has invited LIV gamers based mostly on their world rating, and for 2024 at Valhalla it invited Talor Gooch, who had received 3 times on LIV the earlier yr. However the PGA of America doesn’t have particular standards, lumping LIV gamers and others into “particular invites”. Niemann and Sergio Garcia have already got obtained PGA invites this yr.
For this yr’s US Open, an exemption from qualifying shall be given to “the highest participant who isn’t in any other case exempt and within the prime three” of the LIV particular person standings as of Could 19.
Cameron Smith is exempt after profitable the 2022 British Open. Getty
That would imply nobody will get that exemption if the main three are already eligible. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Richard Bland, Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith are LIV gamers presently exempt.
“We’re happy that the USGA has formally created a brand new exemption for LIV Golf gamers to compete within the US Open and respect Mike Whan’s management and dedication to rising the sport of golf,” mentioned Scott O’Neil, the brand new CEO of LIV Golf.
“Each golf fan on the earth longs to see the best gamers on the earth competing on golf’s greatest phases on the majors,” O’Neil mentioned. “LIV Golf is dedicated to working hand in hand with golf’s governing our bodies to raise the game in all corners of the world.”
The US Open is June 12-16 at Oakmont Nation Membership within the Pittsburgh suburbs.
“The USGA continues to guage the pathways that exist to make sure these taking part in their finest have the chance to compete in our nationwide championship,” mentioned John Bodenhamer, the USGA chief championships officer.
“Per our historic method, we constantly consider expertise ranges on skilled excursions and in novice occasions, which has led us so as to add a brand new exemption class.”
Along with the brand new class, the USGA will supply exemptions from the primary stage of 18-hole qualifying beginning subsequent yr to the highest 10 gamers on the LIV factors listing on April 7, 2026. 5 LIV occasions can have been performed by then.
LIV begins its fourth season on Thursday underneath the lights at Riyadh Golf Membership in Saudi Arabia, outfitted with its first community cope with Fox Sports activities. It additionally has occasions scheduled for Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and South Korea earlier than the US Open exemption deadline.
Gamers from the breakaway league at all times have been capable of undergo qualifying — 4 LIV gamers made it via US Open qualifying final yr. However having a set goal may very well be seen as a lift, significantly to younger gamers who haven’t any standing on established excursions.
Among the many younger gamers who joined LIV Golf this yr are Tom McKibbin of Northern Eire, Frederik Kjettrup of Denmark, Luis Masaveu of Spain and Yubin Jang of South Korea.
