The third major of the season is almost here! Scheduled from June 13 to 16, the U.S. Open will take place at Pinehurst. A total of 13 LIV golfers have arrived for the practice round, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau. However, Jon Rahm will miss the third major of the season due to a foot infection, which also led to his withdrawal from the LIV Houston earlier this month. This brings down the number of LIV golfers at Pinehurst from 13 to 12.

Rahm’s spot in the field will be filled by Jackson Suber, the first alternate from the Rockville, Maryland, final qualifier. In the past two majors, many LIV golfers participated with the help of exemptions, their records, and wins at majors and invitations. But what about the U.S. Open? How did LIV Golfers qualify for the third major of the season?

The U.S. Open’s criteria involve an open qualification system

Its open qualification system has always characterized the U.S. Open. Its field is not restricted by a closed invitation system or a specific ranking requirement. Instead, golfers from all tours, including LIV Golf, can participate if they meet the eligibility requirements and succeed in the global 36-hole qualifiers. USGA CEO Mike Whan emphasized this openness at the pre-tournament presser at Pinehurst Resort & C.C., “If you want to play in this field you’ve got an opportunity to play in this field, and we’re proud of that.”

Despite not earning Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, LIV golfers still have a viable route to the U.S. Open. As we witnessed, thirteen LIV players have entered this year’s field. Whan stated. “So if they really wanted to be here, they could go play 36 holes and qualify, and some did, to their credit.“ Out of thirteen players, now twelve, nine players received exemptions, and four golfers successfully navigated the qualification rounds, demonstrating their commitment and skill.

Moreover, the CEO also highlighted the dynamic nature of the professional golf scene, noting that the USGA has been waiting to see how the new structure of golf, influenced by both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, would settle. This observation comes as he has a good understanding of the scrutiny between PGA Tour and PIF.

Potential Changes for Future Qualifications

This year at Augusta, LIV Golf players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith secured a T6 finish. At the PGA Championship, the Scientist narrowly missed the opportunity to win the Wanamaker Trophy, finishing one stroke behind Xander Schauffele. Looking ahead, Whan also acknowledged the need to possibly establish a more structured pathway for LIV golfers who perform exceptionally well, given the evolving landscape of professional golf. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing that will create a fair and feasible path for these professionals based on their performance in LIV Golf events. As he stated, “I think we are serious about that,” Whan further said. “Exactly what that looks like and how that’ll curtail, I’m not just being coy; we haven’t done that yet.”

As the 2024 U.S. Open unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the LIV golfers perform against their peers from other tours. Their presence in the tournament underscores the democratic nature of the U.S. Open and its commitment to provide a pathway for all. How will the criteria unfold from here on, and what are your thoughts on the future qualifications? Tell us in the comments.