Meet the LIV Golf players trying to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Open (and the 11 who aren’t)

As the U.S. Open qualifying approaches, the LIV Golf players are making their intentions clear, with some opting to pursue their spots in both the U.S. Open at Pinehurst and the Open Championship at Royal Troon. At a recent press conference featuring captain Brooks Koepka alongside teammates Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell, and Talor Gooch, McDowell and Kokrak revealed their plans to compete in both qualifiers.

Kokrak expressed his determination, stating, “I plan on playing both of them,” while McDowell echoed similar sentiments, outlining his schedule for the qualifiers. Despite their commitments to the qualifying rounds, Gooch took a different stance, bluntly stating, “I’m not.”

Gooch’s decision stems from past grievances, having missed out on a spot in last year’s U.S. Open after the USGA altered its exemption criteria. Instead of vying for qualification again, Gooch opted out, highlighting a contentious debate within the LIV Golf community regarding access to majors.

Currently, 36 LIV players have entered the U.S. Open qualifying, while 11 have chosen not to participate. Notably, eight players are already exempt into the U.S. Open, including Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. Mickelson and DeChambeau have advocated for special exemption categories for LIV players, but the league’s withdrawal from consideration has limited this avenue.

The disparity in participation reflects differing perspectives within the LIV Golf community. While some, like Joaquin Niemann, continue to pursue qualification through merit, others anticipate preferential treatment. This divide underscores golf’s traditional meritocracy, where rewards are earned through performance.

As the U.S. Open qualifiers approach, the mix of ambition and controversy among LIV Golf players adds another layer of intrigue to the prestigious tournament’s build-up.