The 2024 U.S. Open had 83 golfers, including eight members of LIV Golf, in the 156-man field. Golf’s Longest Day was the last chance for golfers to qualify for the national championship and among the 687 players at 10 qualifying sites were 19 LIV golfers. These players typically participate in 54-hole events over three days but had to navigate 36 holes in one day for this qualifier. Only three LIV golfers secured a spot, bringing the total to 11 for Pinehurst No. 2.
Out of the 16 LIV golfers who competed in the PGA Championship in May and the 13 who participated in the Masters in April, only those who were recent major winners, PGA Tour winners, ranked high enough in the Official World Golf Ranking, or successfully qualified, could enter the U.S. Open. David Puig had an exceptional day, winning the qualifier at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City with a score of 12 under after shooting 68 and 64.
Among the LIV golfers, eight had already secured their spots before June 3, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and Adrian Meronk. Three more LIV golfers, David Puig, Joaquin Niemann, and Dean Burmester, made it through the June 3 qualifying rounds. However, 16 LIV golfers, such as Sergio Garcia, Carlos Ortiz, and Abraham Ancer, failed to qualify for the U.S. Open despite their previous achievements in other tournaments.
The absence of special exemptions for the U.S. Open meant that all players had to earn their spots either through recent performances or qualifying rounds. This added pressure to the already high-stakes competition, making it a challenging task for all golfers, including those from LIV Golf. The intense competition and limited spots available added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, as players fought hard to secure their place in the prestigious championship.
The U.S. Open is known for its competitive field and rigorous qualification process, making it one of the most coveted titles in golf. Players from LIV Golf faced tough competition from other talented golfers, all vying for a chance to compete in the national championship. The pressure of trying to qualify for such a prestigious event added to the already intense atmosphere at the qualifying sites, creating a challenging and demanding environment for all participants.
Ultimately, the 2024 U.S. Open featured a diverse field of golfers, including a significant number from LIV Golf. While some were able to secure their spots through exceptional performances, others fell short despite their best efforts. The mix of established players and up-and-coming talent added to the excitement of the tournament, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the golfing world. As the championship approached, all eyes were on Pinehurst No. 2, where the top golfers would converge to battle it out for the title of U.S. Open champion.
