USGA Confirms First-Ever LIV Golf Exemption for U.S. Open: Here’s How It Works

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has confirmed that it will be giving the first-ever LIV Golf exemption into the U.S. Open, the third Major Championship of the season.

The USGA announced on Wednesday that it plans to award a full exemption for one LIV Golfer “who is otherwise not exempt.” The player must be in the Top 3 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19.

The USGA also said that it would give one local exemption that will be awarded to the Top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7.

The change will take effect with the 2025 Championship, with only the exemption for the top player who is not otherwise exempt, along with the local exemption.

The USGA also said that beginning with the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the following two exemptions will be awarded:

• Full Exemption
  • 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
  • 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
• Local Exemption
  • The top 10 players from the Final 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings
  • The top 10 players from the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 6, 2026

The Majors are run independently, so it is entirely up to them how they choose to handle the situation with LIV Golfers. 

The Masters has offered exemptions for several LIV Golfers in the past, including Joaquin Niemann, who has received special invitations for the past two years.

However, this is a drastic step forward because this is not a handpicked exemption like The Masters has done. This gives LIV Golfers a clear-cut path into the Majors and gives validity to the tour, as it does not qualify for OWGR points.

Bryson DeChambeau, a LIV Golfer, is the current holder of the U.S. Open trophy.

Here it is: The full duel between Rory & Bryson.

Every one of their shots down the stretch in chronological order.

Tell us what you notice this time around 👇 pic.twitter.com/IeLjbxd75S

— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) December 31, 2024

Cover Image via Yahoo Sports