The 2026 U.S. Open is quickly approaching, and once again LIV Golf will have a strong presence on one of golf’s biggest stages. A total of 13 LIV Golf players have officially secured spots in the field for the championship at the iconic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, scheduled for 18–21 June.
Shinnecock Hills is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most historic venues in major championship golf. The course has previously crowned champions such as Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin, Retief Goosen and Brooks Koepka, and expectations are already building for another dramatic week on Long Island.
Despite the ongoing divide between LIV Golf and the traditional tours, the majors continue to provide a stage where the best players in the world compete against one another. The U.S. Open has maintained its open qualification system, allowing LIV golfers to earn their places through exemptions, world rankings, major victories and final qualifying events.
Leading the LIV contingent is two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. The American remains one of the most dangerous players in major championships and enters the event as one of the favourites after consistently contending in golf’s biggest tournaments over the last two seasons. His aggressive style and power off the tee could once again make him a major threat at Shinnecock Hills.
Jon Rahm will also headline the LIV group. The Spaniard captured the 2021 U.S. Open title at Torrey Pines and continues to perform at an elite level despite moving to LIV Golf. Rahm recently showed strong form with another high finish in a major and is expected to be one of the biggest challengers to Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy at Shinnecock.
Former world number one Dustin Johnson is back in the field as well. The 2016 U.S. Open champion earned a lengthy exemption for that victory, and 2026 marks the final year of that exemption. Johnson also has history at Shinnecock Hills after winning the tournament there in 2018, making his return to the venue particularly significant.
Cameron Smith has secured his place through his Open Championship victory. The Australian has endured inconsistent major form recently but remains one of the most naturally gifted players in the world, especially around the greens. If conditions become firm and difficult, Smith’s creativity could become a major advantage.
Tyrrell Hatton also earned his place after a strong finish at the previous U.S. Open. The Englishman has been playing some of the best golf of his career and has become one of LIV Golf’s most reliable performers. His fiery personality and competitive edge could make him one of the most entertaining players to watch during the championship week.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz qualified after his impressive top-five result at the 2025 U.S. Open. Ortiz has quietly become one of LIV Golf’s most consistent competitors and has shown he can handle the pressure of major championships.
Joaquin Niemann and Lucas Herbert both secured exemptions through LIV Golf qualification pathways and rankings criteria. Niemann, in particular, continues to be viewed as one of the most talented players yet to seriously contend in a major championship. The Chilean has been dominant at times on LIV Golf and many believe a breakthrough major performance is only a matter of time.
Spain’s David Puig also qualified through the Official World Golf Ranking, sneaking inside the required cutoff. Puig represents the younger generation of LIV Golf talent and continues to gain valuable experience competing against the world’s best players.
Laurie Canter earned his place through the Race to Dubai rankings, further highlighting the different qualification routes available into the U.S. Open field. Meanwhile, Peter Uihlein, Graeme McDowell and Caleb Surratt all battled through demanding final qualifying events in Dallas to secure their spots at Shinnecock Hills.
For McDowell, the qualification was especially meaningful. The former U.S. Open champion had seen his exemption expire and had to survive one of golf’s toughest qualifying tests to return to the championship. Surratt, meanwhile, will be making his first U.S. Open appearance after emerging from a tense playoff.
The 13 LIV Golf players confirmed for the 2026 U.S. Open are:
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Jon Rahm
- Dustin Johnson
- Cameron Smith
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Carlos Ortiz
- Joaquin Niemann
- Lucas Herbert
- David Puig
- Laurie Canter
- Peter Uihlein
- Graeme McDowell
- Caleb Surratt
With Scottie Scheffler chasing another major title and Rory McIlroy continuing his hunt for more history, the LIV Golf contingent adds another fascinating layer to what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated U.S. Opens in recent years. Shinnecock Hills is expected to provide a brutal test once again, and the battle between PGA Tour stars and LIV Golf players will remain one of the biggest talking points throughout championship week.
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