USGA Not Yet Closing Door On Dustin Johnson, LIV Golfers For U.S. Open

Final qualifying for the U.S. Open in Brookline, Mass. is set for Monday, but the field may be affected by the controversial new LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Final qualifying will take place across eight sites in the United States and one in Canada. Ninety-five out of the 156 spots have been filled, which leaves 61 spots left to be earned. Former New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead is among many looking to earn a spot at The Country Club.

What may affect the field is the first ever LIV Golf event in London beginning on June 9. LIV is sponsored by the financial arm of the Saudi Arabian government.

The U.S. Open is scheduled to begin on June 16, but the U.S. Golf Association has exempted golfers who will participate in the LIV event from the U.S. Open.

Dustin Johnson is one of the big names exempted. The list of exempted names includes Louis Oosthuizen, Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na, Talor Gooch, and 2021 U.S. Amateur champion James Piot.

Johnson, a two-time major champion and 13th-ranked golfer in the world is the headliner for the new golf league after Phil Mickelson declined to join following his controversial comments about the league and the PGA Tour. Johnson will reportedly make $125 million for playing in LIV events.

However, the USGA has not fully shut down the door for revoking these exemptions, according to The Boston Globe, who cited anonymous sources. The USGA released a statement Friday, which can be described as a “warning shot.”

“We pride ourselves in being the most open championship in the world, with roughly half our field securing their position via local/regional qualifiers,” the statement said, per Ben Volin. “However, we reserve the right, as we always have, to review any competitor’s situation on a case-by-case basis.”

The PGA have made their views clear on the LIV series, headed by Greg Norman and backed by the controversial Saudi regime, since the league’s inception. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement promising “disciplinary action” — expected to be at least a suspension and up to a ban — for anyone who plays in an LIV event.

Opening odds for the 2022 U.S. Open penned Jon Rahm as the favorite to repeat and Johnson as a runner-up favorite, but if Johnson were to commit to a LIV event, it’s likely Johnson will not be making a trip to Brookline.

The fourth event of the LIV series will come to the Boston area Sept. 2-4 at The International.