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US Open becomes first major to grant LIV golfers exemptions based on rankings

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that the top-ranked player from the Saudi-backed tour, who is not otherwise exempt, will earn a direct spot in the US Open field.

epa11483993 Bryson DeChambeau of the USA in action during a practice round for the Open Golf Championships 2024 at the Royal Troon Golf Club, Troon, Britain, 17 July 2024. The Open will run from 18 to 21 July. EPA/ROBERT PERRY
Image :EPA/ROBERT PERRY

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that the top-ranked player from the Saudi-backed tour, who is not otherwise exempt, will earn a direct spot in the US Open field.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides

Additionally, the top 10 players in the LIV Golf standings as of April 7 will bypass local qualifying and advance directly to the final 36-hole qualifying stage.

The 2025 US Open will take place at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania from June 12-15.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil welcomed the move, saying: “Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players competing on the biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sport globally.”

USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer added: “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.”

Other LIV golfers exempt for the US Open include defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, as well as Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson, all of whom qualify through past championship wins.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour remains in extended negotiations with LIV’s backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), as efforts continue to mend the divide in professional golf.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides
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