The Olympic fever is still going strong at the U.S. Open. However, as a consequence of the road taken, even some of the top LIV golfers continue to look at the Paris Olympics with eyes full of contemplation of what could’ve been had they gone for the road not taken.

The wrath of the OWGR, coupled with the inflexibility of the 54-hole LIV Golf format to fit the traditional guidelines and these golfers’ inability to climb up the world ranks by securing a win at either of the two major championships this season, have put them in a complex position where they are destined to watch the games from afar. But who are the top few names who lost a seat on the Olympics roster this year?

LIV golfers who lost the chance to represent the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, the competition for spots on the USA golf team has been fierce. So far, American players who are at the top of the OWGR charts, like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and (most likely) Collin Morikawa, have secured their spots.

Consequently, several high-profile LIV Golf players have found themselves on the outside looking in, unable to secure a coveted place on the Olympic roster. This includes famous names like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, and even Dustin Johnson. But what has prompted their non-inclusion of the opportunity to represent the United States in Paris?

1. Bryson DeChambeau

The Scientist remains on the outside. Despite his calculative approach to the game and prodigious driving distance, a dearth of stronger major results has become the roadblock in Bryson DeChambeau’s way to Paris. It seems that DeChambeau’s 2-under-par T6 finish at the Masters and his 20-under-par runner-up finish at the PGA Championship were not enough to help his cause. What DeChambeau needed was a win.

As DeChambeau continues to give his very best as he tops the leaderboard of the ongoing U.S. Open with a T2 position at the end of Round 2, it seems it is too late now. Standing at his current world rank of 38, even a win at the U.S. Open will not solidify this LIV pro’s chances. It seems it’s already too late for the big-hitting Texan.

2. Brooks Koepka

In a surprising move, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka opted out of consideration for the 2024 Olympics. The reason? Well, it seems Koepka was well aware of his declining odds of making it to the four spots reserved for Americans at the Paris Olympics and made a decision along the same lines. His 9-over-par T45 finish at the Masters and his 9-under-par T26 finish at the PGA Championship this season did not help his cause.

Despite his impressive track record, his current world ranking of 43 and his decision to withdraw from Olympic contention ensure he won’t be teeing it up in Paris. This choice has raised eyebrows in the golfing community, given Koepka’s reputation as someone who thrives on the grand stage.

3. Patrick Reed

The fiery and controversial golfer, Patrick Reed, saw his world ranking plummet to 101 last week, thus putting Olympic qualification out of reach. Reed needed exceptional results in the majors to climb back into contention, but his performances in the first two majors of the season have failed to do so.

Even though Reed finished the Masters with an impressive 1-over-par at T12, he could not repeat the same success story at the PGA Championship, where he finished with a 5-under-par at T53. A win at either of these majors could’ve been the saving grace for this LIV golfer, but that seems to have remained a dream. Thus, it seems Reed will have to watch the Olympic golf competition from home.

4. Dustin Johnson

Perhaps the most dramatic fall from grace among his counterparts belongs to former world number one Dustin Johnson. Looking up with an Olympic-sized hole in his heart, Johnson stands at 374th in the world rankings currently. It seems the U.S. Open cannot save a drowning Johnson anymore, all thanks to his recent major championship record.

The 4Aces GC captain has missed the cut in three of his last four major appearances, a far cry from the dominant form that once made him win two major championships. Johnson’s struggles seem to have no cure in this edition of the Olympics. It seems his move to LIV, coupled with his declining charm on the majors’ greens, has cost him a shot at Olympic glory in Paris this time around.

As the Olympics approach, it seems the USA team will not feature the likes of DeChambeau, Koepka, Reed, and Johnson, as this LIV Golf quartet remains destined to watch the intense competition in Paris from afar.