13 LIV Golfers to Compete in 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills

The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, will feature 13 players from LIV Golf in its 156-man field, demonstrating the Saudi-funded league's significant presence in major championship golf. The contingent includes four former U.S. Open champions: Jon Rahm (2021 champion, World No. 8), Bryson DeChambeau (2020 and 2024 champion), Dustin Johnson (2016 champion), and Graeme McDowell (2010 champion). Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Champion, also earned exemption status.

The qualifying methods for the remaining LIV players varied. Tyrrell Hatton and Carlos Ortiz both qualified through top-10 finishes at the 2025 U.S. Open, where they tied for fourth. Joaquin Niemann and Lucas Herbert gained entry via top-3 finishes in the LIV standings, while David Puig qualified through his position inside the top 60 in the world rankings. Three LIV players earned their spots through Final Qualifying, the grueling 36-hole route: Peter Uihlein, Caleb Surratt (a major championship debutant who left college in 2024 to join Rahm's Legion XIII team), and McDowell.

The presence of 13 LIV players underscores the major championships' position of welcoming competitors regardless of tour affiliation, provided they meet qualification criteria. Tournament action begins Thursday at 6:30 a.m. ET, with coverage across USA Network, NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. The field will face one of America's most demanding links-style courses as competitors vie for the championship title.