LIV Golf receives first major breakthrough thanks | Golf News

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has revealed a new qualification path for LIV Golf gamers to the U.S. Open, marking a important development for the breakaway tour.

Despite not being sanctioned by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), which led to many of its gamers dropping in rankings for the reason that Saudi Arabia-backed league’s inception in 2022, LIV Golf gamers now have a direct route to at least one of the 4 major championships.

The USGA introduced that the top-ranked LIV Golf gamers who usually are not already exempt on May 19 will obtain an exemption for the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in June, supplied they’re within the highest three of the LIV Golf standings. Furthermore, the highest 10 LIV gamers who usually are not already exempt for the U.S. Open as of April 7 might be granted a native exemption, enabling them to skip the native qualifying stage and proceed on to closing qualifying for the event.

The similar exemptions will apply for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, based mostly on the LIV Golf standings on the finish of this season.

In a current assertion, USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer defined the group’s decision-making course of relating to who competes within the U.S. Open: “The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship.”

He added: “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.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil welcomed the announcement and praised the transfer, stating: “We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf.”

O’Neil additional commented on the importance of the choice for golf fans: “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.”

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Notably, LIV Golf is set to begin its new season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Thursday, with a number of occasions lined up earlier than exemption selections on April 7 and May 19. Last yr’s U.S. Open noticed twelve LIV Golf members take part, together with champion Bryson DeChambeau.

Eight LIV gamers, comparable to DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Cam Smith, Tyrrell Hatton, and Richard Bland, already maintain exemptions for the 2025 U.S. Open.

The transfer to determine a LIV Golf exemption additional underscores the growing affect of the breakaway league within the skilled golf world. While different major tournaments have prolonged particular invites to LIV gamers, the USGA’s choice to create an exemption solidifies a relationship with LIV, basically recognizing prime performances in its 54-hole occasions as deserving of a spot on one of golf’s most prestigious platforms.