US Open exempts LIV players

The US Open is set to become the first major golf tournament to offer exemptions to LIV Golf players, introducing new qualification standards for them to compete in the championship. The US Golf Association (USGA) made the announcement Wednesday, signaling a move towards mending relations with the Saudi-backed league that began in 2022. 

This marks the first occasion that a formal pathway has been established for LIV Golf players to enter one of the four major tournaments. 

For the upcoming US Open, scheduled for June 12-15, a position will be available for the highest-ranked player within the top three of the LIV Golf individual standings as of May 19, provided that the player is not already exempt. Starting in 2026, however, this allocation will increase to two spots. 

John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s chief championships officer, stated, “The USGA continues to assess the avenues available to ensure that those performing at their peak have the chance to participate in our national championship.” He added, “In line with our traditional approach, we regularly review the talent levels present in professional tours and amateur competitions, which has prompted us to introduce a new exemption category.” 

Additionally, for 2025, local exemptions will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2026 LIV Golf individual standings as of April 7, 2025. For 2026, local exemptions will be awarded to the top 10 players from the final 2025 LIV Golf individual standings, as well as the top 10 players from the 2026 individual standings as of April 6, 2026. 

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil expressed satisfaction with the USGA’s decision, stating, “We are delighted that the USGA has officially established a new exemption for LIV Golf players in the U.S. Open, and we appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and dedication to advancing the sport of golf.” 

In past instances, LIV Golf participants have been granted exemptions based on their historical performances. Seven LIV Golf players are already exempt from the 2025 US Open. These include defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, past champions Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, recent major winners Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith, and US Senior Open defending champion Richard Bland.