Tom McKibbin may have the chance to compete in multiple majors this year after the USGA announced a new exemption for a LIV Golf player at the 2025 US Open, set to take place at Oakmont.

As part of its updated exemption criteria, the USGA confirmed that a full exemption will be granted to the highest-ranked player (not otherwise exempt) within the top three of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of 19 May.

Additionally, the top 10 players in the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of 7 April will receive exemptions from local qualifying.

Further concessions have been announced for the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills. For that edition, exemptions will be granted to the highest-ranked player (not otherwise exempt) within the top three of the Final 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings, as well as the top player (not otherwise exempt) within the top three of the 2026 standings as of 18 May next year.

USGA Justifies LIV Golf Exemptions

John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Chief Championships Officer, explained the reasoning behind these new exemptions.

“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,” said Bodenhamer. “Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously assess talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to introduce this new exemption category.”

The announcement is positive news for McKibbin and also for 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell, whose exemption from his victory at Pebble Beach expired at Winged Foot in 2021.

McKibbin, speaking ahead of the season-opening LIV Golf event in Riyadh, acknowledged that joining LIV Golf meant potentially missing out on Ryder Cup and major championship opportunities—something he carefully considered before signing with Legion XIII.

"I'm not in those majors anyway at the minute, so it really didn't bother me too much," said McKibbin, who finished tied for 41st on his US Open debut at Pinehurst No. 2 last year.

LIV Golf Welcomes USGA’s Decision

LIV Golf’s new CEO, Scott O’Neil, welcomed the USGA’s decision, praising Executive Director Mike Whan’s leadership.

“We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the US Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf,” said O’Neil.

“Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players 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 globally.”

Current US Open Exemptions

Several LIV Golf players are already exempt for this year’s US Open at Oakmont, scheduled from 12-15 June. The list includes past champions Bryson DeChambeau (2024), Jon Rahm (2021), Brooks Koepka (2018), and Dustin Johnson (2016), as well as 2024 US Senior Open winner Richard Bland. Other exempt players include former US PGA champion Phil Mickelson (2021) and former Open champion Cameron Smith (2022).

From Ireland, Rory McIlroy (top 10 finish at Pinehurst last year) and Shane Lowry (Tour Championship qualifier) are the only players currently exempt for this year’s tournament.