The USGA announced that the U.S. Open Championship will have a full exemption based on LIV Golf Individual Standings, becoming the first major championship to provide a direct pathway through LIV Golf performance.
"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," LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said in a statement.
For the 2025 U.S. tournament in June, 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 standings as of 19 May.
More exemptions will be awarded for the 2026 open to the top player not in the top 3 of the final 2025 LIV Golf Individual standings and the top players not in the top 3 of the 2026 LIV Gold Individual Standings as of 18 May 2026.
Local exemptions will also be awarded over the next two years to LIV Golf players.
USGA chief championship officer, John Bodenhamer said the USGA is committed to creating pathways to ensure their players have the best opportunity to compete in their national competitions.
“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,” he said.
Seven LIV Golf players already are exempt for the 2025 U.S. Open – defending champion Bryson DeChambeau; past champions Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm; recent major winners Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith; and U.S. Senior Open defending champion Richard Bland. In addition, Tyrrell Hatton is expected in the field based on other exemptions announced Wednesday.