USGA confirms jaw-dropping LIV Golf news
The USGA has announced LIV Golf players can earn an exemption into the U.S. Open starting from 2025.
One LIV Golf player will be able to earn a spot into the 2025 U.S. Open via a new exemption category.
The groundbreaking decision by the USGA was confirmed on 5 February, three days before the breakaway tour's 2025 curtain-raiser in Riyadh.
It is the first time a governing body has recognised that performances on the PIF-backed circuit merit a start in a major championship.
Since LIV's noisy introduction to the men's game in 2022, there have been a lot of grumbles that the majors don't have the strongest fields possible.
Major championships fields have traditionally been determined by a combination of invitations, exemptions and players' world ranking.
LIV applied for OWGR accreditation in July 2022 but were denied after a protracted back-and-forth.
OWGR chairman Peter Dawson denied there was a conspiracy against LIV.
Instead, he cited several technical reasons why LIV's bid was ultimately rejected.
Chief of which was the 54-hole format and lack of direct pathways into LIV.
Dawson also said the OWGR questioned whether the team dynamics might influence individual performances.
He said it would potentially compromise the integrity of individual competition results.
The announcement means that one LIV player will have the chance to tee it up at the third men's major in 2025, whilst two will get the opportunity in 2026
New LIV Golf chief executed Scott O'Neil said: "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."
He added: "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."
How the new exemption works...
Via the USGA
Full Exemption
- The top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the final 2025 LIV Golf Individual standings as of May 18, 2026
- The top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the 2026 LIV Golf individual standings as of May 18, 2026
Local Exemption
- The top 10 players from the final 2025 LIV Golf individual standings
- The top 10 players from the 2026 LIV Golf individual standings as of April 6, 2026
Two-stage U.S. Open qualifying (local and final) will continue to be conducted at U.S. and international sites in April, May and June.
Watched our latest video?
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
