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The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont this June will become the first major championship to offer a direct exemption to a competitor from LIV Golf.

The United States Golf Association released its 24 exemption categories for the tournament Wednesday, including a spot for one player ranked in the top three of the LIV Golf points standings as of May 19.

In addition, the top 10 players in the LIV Golf standings as of April 7 will be exempt from local qualifying for the U.S. Open and will earn a direct spot into the final 36-hole qualifying.

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

The U.S. Open will take place at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club from June 12-15.

The LIV’s exemption will expand to two players for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., one for the top player from this season’s final LIV Golf standings plus another player based on the 2026 points standings next spring.

“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,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said in a statement. “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.”

To date, none of the other majors has offered a direct exemption tied to the LIV points system.

The Masters and the PGA Championship have awarded special exemptions to LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann. Sergio Garcia also received an invite for the PGA Championship.

Niemann and Garcia finished second and third, respectively, in the 2024 LIV Golf individual standings behind Jon Rahm.

Rahm already has an exemption for all of this year’s majors based on his victories at the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters. LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are also exempt for the 2025 majors based on past championships.

DeChambeau won the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

–Field Level Media