The U.S. Golf Association (USGA) has introduced a new exemption category allowing LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open, making it the first of golf’s four major tournaments to establish a formal entry pathway for players on the Saudi-backed circuit.
For the upcoming U.S. Open, scheduled from June 12-15 at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, one spot in the 156-player field will be granted to a golfer who is not otherwise exempt and ranks among the top three in the LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19.
Starting next year, the number of available spots will increase to two for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York. Leading LIV Golf players from both the final 2025 individual standings and the May 18, 2026 rankings will earn entry into the tournament.