
5 February 2025 - SHANK Media: One day prior to the start of the 2025 LIV Golf League season the USGA has announced a potentially historic, game-changing decision to give four exemptions to LIV Golf League players into the US Open Championship. It will surely be followed by the R&A for this summer's showpiece at Royal Portrush, and potentially by Augusta National for the 2026 Masters Tournament.
A statement released by the USGA said: The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the exemption categories for the 2025 U.S. Open Championship, to be played June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club.
Exemptions from local and final qualifying are awarded to players in a variety of categories, including the past 10 U.S. Open champions, various USGA and amateur champions, other major winners and performance on various tours around the world.
“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."
For the 2025 championship, a full exemption will be awarded to the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19, 2025.
In addition, a local exemption will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7, 2025.
Beginning with the 2026 championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., June 18-21, the following exemptions will be awarded:
Full Exemption
The top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 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 3 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.
More information about the 2025 U.S. Open is available at usopen.com
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neill responded by saying “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. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.”
This announcement could have significant ramifications for the future of LIV Golf, and make it far easier for the league tor recruit players ahead of the 2026 season. It could also have a major impact upon negotiations between the PGA TOUR and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, but one thing is certain - the establishment is now beginning to accept LIV Golf, and that is a major moment.
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