Defending U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau joined the LIV Golf Tour in 2022
The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced new exemption categories, granting LIV Golf players direct entry pathways into two of the sport’s four major championships.
On Monday, the R&A, which oversees The Open Championship, unveiled its exemption categories for the 2025 event at Royal Portrush. A new exemption will grant entry to The Open for the highest-ranked LIV Golf player, not otherwise exempt, who finishes in the top five of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings after the conclusion of LIV Golf Dallas on June 29.
R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon emphasized inclusivity in the selection process:
“The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers, and each year we review our exemptions to ensure we offer pathways into the championship based on results achieved on the leading professional tours. We acknowledge that players competing in LIV Golf should also have the opportunity to secure places in The Open through its individual season standings as well as existing pathways.”
This decision mirrors a move by the USGA, which recently announced similar exemptions for the U.S. Open. Last week, the USGA became the first major golf association to establish a direct qualification route for LIV Golf players. The exemption criteria for the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, scheduled for June 12-15, includes:
- A full exemption for the highest-ranked LIV Golf player, not otherwise qualified, who finishes in the top three of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19, 2025.
- A local exemption for the top ten players in the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7, 2025.
- For the 2026 U.S. Open, a full exemption will be given to the top player, not otherwise exempt, finishing in the top three of both the 2025 and 2026 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 18, 2026.
- Local exemptions for the top ten players in the final 2025 and 2026 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 6, 2026.
If current standings hold, Adrian Meronk, who secured a victory in Saudi Arabia over Jon Rahm, would be among those benefiting from these exemptions. Incoming LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill, who has replaced Greg Norman, welcomed the decisions:
“We thank Mark Darbon and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports. The acknowledgment that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major is a testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans worldwide. LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game.”
The Asian Tour’s International Series Macau will also provide additional entry routes, offering direct qualification for the top three finishers, not otherwise exempt, to The Open Championship.
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