Until now, LIV golfers could only qualify directly for the biggest tournaments of the year via the world ranking, unless they had already qualified for majors through past successes. Without world ranking points, however, this becomes more and more difficult, which is why the USGA now provides a full exemption for a LIV golfer at the US Open 2025.
US Open introduces qualification criteria for LIV golfers
Already this year, a place in the field will be awarded to the best LIV golfer who has not yet qualified for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club and is in the top 3 of the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 19 May 2025). In addition, the top 10 in the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 7 April 2025) will receive a place in local qualifying for the major tournament and can therefore also qualify.
In 2026, there will additionally be a direct starting place for the best, not yet qualified LIV Golf player from the top 3 of the 2025 final ranking, as well as places for local qualifying based on the top 10 of the final ranking.
‘The USGA continues to evaluate the opportunities that exist to e“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “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 is delighted by the news. “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. Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors.
The US Open is the first major tournament to follow this path. The PGA Championship has extended a special invitation to LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann, as it did in 2024.