USGA announces U.S. Open exemption based on LIV Golf standings

The USGA announced on Wednesday a full exemption for the U.S. Open Championship based on LIV Golf Individual Standings, becoming the first major championship to provide a direct pathway through LIV Golf performance.

For the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont on June 12-15, 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 May 19, 2025.

"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. "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."

Beginning with the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the following exemptions will be awarded for LIV Golf

• The top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the final 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings
• 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

In addition, local exemptions will also be awarded in the next two years to LIV Golf players.

For 2025, local exemptions will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7, 2025.

For 2026, local exemptions will be awarded to the top 10 players from the final 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as well as the top 10 players from the 2026 Individual Standings as of April 6, 2026.

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

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.

The 2025 LIV Golf League season starts Thursday at LIV Golf Riyadh.