The China Mail - LIV Golf players given direct path into US Open

The US Open becomes the first major to provide a direct path for LIV talent into the field, with an exempt spot reserved at Oakmont for the top player not otherwise exempt among LIV's top three in the individual standings as of May 19, the day after this year's PGA Championship.

There will be seven events before the cutoff this year in the Saudi-backed series, starting with this week's event in Saudi Arabia followed by those in Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami, Mexico City and South Korea.

"The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship," USGA chief competitions officer John Bodenhamer said.

"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."

In addition to the full exemption this year, a local exemption will be awarded to the top 10 LIV players as of April 7, the Monday of Masters week. That puts them into the 36-hole final qualifying for US Open spots.

Starting in 2026 for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, the top three not already exempt from LIV's 2025 final standings will earn a US Open berth as will the top un-exempt player in the LIV top three in May 2026.

"We're pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the US Open," LIV Golf chief executive officer Scott O'Neil said.

"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."

The PGA of America and the R&A have not created specific qualifying categories for LIV players while the Masters offers special invitations, this year including LIV's Joaquin Niemann of Chile.

LIV players who are already qualified for this year's US Open include defending champion Bryson DeChambeau and past major winners Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka.

Since LIV's 2022 debut, the US PGA Tour has banned LIV players from competing in PGA events. That has left the major tournaments as the place where LIV and PGA stars can compete against one another.

The PGA Tour and LIV's backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) have been in talks about bringing the two sides together for nearly two years with no deal yet completed.

H.Ng--ThChM