Everyone celebrated like kids when the news of LIV Golf exemptions for the US Open broke, but beneath the jubilation, Brooks Koepka‘s recent comments reveal a more nuanced reality. Koepka acknowledges that this development is a crucial step forward for the league, as it acknowledges LIV Golf’s place within the golf ecosystem.

However, a closer look reveals that Koepka’s worst fears may be looming. His hope that a non-exempt player will secure a major spot may be overshadowed by the reality that only a select few will benefit from these exemptions. As Koepka himself said, “Hopefully we have a player that’s not exempt that’s up there ready to go and gets in another major…” But will this hope become a reality, or will it remain an elusive dream for LIV Golf players?

In the latest episode of 5 Clubs on YouTube, host Gary Williams broke down the exemptions announced by the USGA for the US Open. While many thought this was a major breakthrough, Williams cautions that it’s not a guarantee for LIV players to get into the US Open. “Let me make it abundantly clear, I’m not for and I’m not against this; what I’m saying is that when it was announced, it seemed like it was a great triumph,” Williams notes.

However, he emphasizes that “it’s not even a guarantee.” Williams explains that many top players are already exempt, stating, “So what they’ve been given, maybe not even a guarantee, is something that seven different amateur championships or achievements automatically get you into the US Open.”

Williams highlights that seven amateur championships or achievements can automatically get a player into the US Open, including the Latin America Amateur Championship and the US Amateur winner and runner-up. “I think it’s a justifiable reason to give that player over the course of the year, because of accomplishment, a pathway into the US Open.”

Ultimately, Williams encourages viewers to take a closer look at the exemptions and not get too carried away with the initial excitement. But that’s not all, as it seems like LIV Golf is really making its way in the world of golf, and by that, we obviously mean the majors.

R&A follows USGA’s Lead and offers LIV Golf players a pathway to The Open

The Open’s jumping on the bandwagon with the U.S. Open, giving LIV Golfers a shot. So, the R&A just announced this and here’s the deal: the top player who isn’t already exempt and finishes in the top 5 of LIV’s season-long points standings after the LIV Dallas event will snag an exemption into the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. This is massive, especially on the heels of the USGA’s similar announcement about the U.S. Open. And did you know that 12 LIV players are already exempt from The Open?

We’re talking big names like Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson. Plus, LIV players can still qualify through other existing pathways. This is a major victory for LIV Golf, which has been working tirelessly to establish itself and attract top talent. And while The Masters and PGA Championship don’t have specific exemption categories for LIV Golf players, Augusta National Golf Club has already extended an invite to Joaquin Niemann for this year’s tournament. What are your thoughts on LIV Golf’s growing presence in the golf world? Let us know in the comment section below!