LIV Golf Players Discuss U.S. Open Qualifying Plans

As the U.S. Open qualifying approaches, the LIV Golf players are gearing up for the opportunity to earn their spot in the prestigious major event. During a recent press conference, captain Brooks Koepka and his teammates Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell, and Talor Gooch shared their plans for the upcoming qualifiers.

Kokrak and McDowell both revealed that they will be participating in qualifiers for both the U.S. Open at Pinehurst and the Open Championship at Royal Troon. Kokrak expressed his determination to play in both events, while McDowell shared his schedule for the qualifying rounds.

On the other hand, Gooch made it clear that he will not be participating in the qualifiers, opting to sit out and forego the opportunity to earn his spot in the U.S. Open. This decision comes after Gooch missed out on a spot in last year’s U.S. Open due to changes in the exemption criteria.

Despite the mixed responses from the LIV Golf players, a total of 36 players have entered the U.S. Open qualifying rounds, with 11 players choosing not to participate. The likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson are among the eight players who are already exempt into the major event.

While some players have called for special exemption categories for LIV players, the league has withdrawn its application, making it clear that players will need to earn their way into the major tournaments. The U.S. Open qualifier numbers reflect the majority of LIV players’ understanding of the merit-based system in golf.

As the qualifying rounds approach, it will be interesting to see which players are able to secure their spots in the U.S. Open and the Open Championship through their performance on the course. The competition is sure to be fierce as players vie for their chance to compete in these prestigious events.