The United States Golf Association became the first governing body to provide players from the LIV Golf League a direct pathway into a men’s major championship.

Because LIV’s competitive makeup failed to qualify the league for Official World Golf Ranking points, many LIV players who haven’t won majors and previously used the OWGR exemptions to get into the elite fields have seen their pathways to the sport’s four biggest tournaments diminish. However, the USGA announced Wednesday that beginning this year, members of the Saudi-backed league will earn an exemption into U.S. Open. For this year’s national championship at Oakmont, a spot will be awarded to the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19. Additionally, exemptions into Final Qualifying will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7.

In a sense this isn’t a surprise. While USGA leadership has privately bristled at the emergence of LIV—USGA CEO Mike Whan said “I’m struggling with how this is good for the game” the week after LIV’s launch in 2022—Whan has publicly maintained the importance of the U.S. Open remaining “open” to all competitors. This position has only strengthened following the PGA Tour’s surprise framework agreement with LIV’s financial backer, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

The development also comes a year after a LIV member, Bryson DeChambeau, won the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

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

Shortly after the announcement, new LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil released a statement. “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,” O’Neil said. “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.”

Augusta National and the PGA of America have awarded special invitations to LIV members into the Masters and PGA Championship, respectively. However, those have been on a case-by-case basis. The USGA and R&A, which oversees the Open Championship, also have no prohibited LIV golfers trying to earn spots in their majors through the standard open qualifying process at each championship.

The 2025 U.S. Open begins June 12.

Main Image: Sean M. Haffey