US Open makes groundbreaking LIV Golf decision

By , News editor and writer. Probably entertainer third.

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The US Open will offer an exemption spot to a LIV Golf player.

The US Open has offered a direct pathway for LIV golfers to play in the third men’s major of the season.

It’s taken three years, but LIV Golf’s players finally have a direct route into one of the four major championships.

While Augusta National has extended an invite to Joaquin Niemann for the past two Masters, and the PGA of America has offered places at the PGA Championship to LIV players based on their world rankings under “special invitations” category, this is the first time those plying their trade on the league have had it in their own hands.

For this year’s US Open at Oakmont, the highest placed player in the LIV individual standings who is not otherwise exempt on May 19 will be offered a spot in the major field.

There is one caveat, though: that player must be in the top three. That means if the top three on the deadline day are all already exempt, no one will get the exemption.

From next year, the number of exemptions will double to two, with the leading player from the 2025 individual standings and the leading player on May 18, 2026, offered a place in the field at Shinnecock Hills.

And that’s not all. The USGA will also offer exemptions for the first qualifying round for the top 10 in the LIV standings on April 7, 2026.

Scott O’Neil, who replaced Greg Norman as LIV’s CEO in January, said: “We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the US Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf.

“Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.”

John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s chief championships officer, added: “The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship.

“Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.”

The 2025 US Open will take place at Oakmont Country Club, in Pennsylvania, from June 12-15.

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