The USGA has become the “first major golf association to create a direct path to a major championship for LIV Golf players.” Among the exemption categories for the 2025 U.S. Open include “direct access for top LIV players, not otherwise qualified,” to play in the event. 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.” The exemptions will be “adjusted slightly for 2026,” with a full exemption “awarded to 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 and 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” (GOLFWEEK, 2/5).
USGA creates U.S. Open exemption for LIV Golf
