USGA to allow LIV golfers to compete at 2022 US Open

Several golfers taking part in the LIV Golf event, starting Thursday in London, will be allowed to take part in the US Open, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced. This clears the way for some big names like two-time major champion Dustin Johnson and three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson, who are taking part in the tournament backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. 

The LIV event will see Ryder Cup champs like Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood participate along with Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen, who are also on the list. World No 13 Dustin Johnson was the latest to confirm his decision at the cost of losing his spot in the Ryder Cup. 

Also read: Professional golfer Bart Bryant killed in car accident in Florida at age 59

However, USGA said that the players who have earned the right to compete in the US Open, will be allowed to do so. 

“We pride ourselves in being the most open championship in the world and the players who have earned the right to compete in this year’s championship, both via exemption and qualifying, will have the opportunity to do so. Our field criteria were set prior to entries opening earlier this year and it’s not appropriate, nor fair to competitors, to change criteria once established,” the US golf governing body stated in a press release. 

Also read: Something has died in me: Robert Lewandowski fixed on Bayern Munich exit

“Should a player who had earned his way into the 2022 U.S. Open, via our published field criteria, be pulled out of the field as a result of his decision to play in another event? And we ultimately decided that they should not,” it added. 

The decision will apply to the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

The golfers participating in the LIV Golf tour will not receive any world ranking points in the duration as it is not recognised by the Official Golf World Ranking (OWGR). 

The US Open will take place between June 16 and 19.