LIV Golf may be a polarizing force in the world of professional golf, but there’s no denying it’s carving out a larger presence in the sport’s biggest events.
As the 2025 U.S. Open approaches, the latest LIV addition to the field is Joaquin Niemann, the 26-year-old Chilean who’s stacking trophies on LIV’s alternate circuit.
Niemann Punches His U.S. Open Ticket
Niemann didn’t just squeak into the field—he owned his way in. His third victory of the 2025 LIV season was picked up just last Sunday in Mexico City. That win secured him an exemption to this year’s U.S. Open.
That exemption, a brand-new twist from the USGA, awards a U.S. Open berth to one of the top three players in LIV Golf’s individual standings as of May 19. Niemann jumped the line early.
Now set for his sixth U.S. Open appearance, Niemann has guaranteed himself entry into the season’s remaining majors after already competing in the Masters earlier this month. Oakmont Country Club will be on the stage come June 12 in Corinth, Texas, and Niemann’s relief is palpable.
“My team was asking me to sign up for the qualifier and the sectional, and I wasn’t really into that,” he admitted with a laugh. “So more than anything, I’m grateful that I’m not playing 36 holes on a Monday after a tournament. Yeah, I’m pretty happy.”
Hard to blame him. Monday qualifiers are a grind. For a golfer with nearly $70 million in career earnings, per Spotrac, you’d expect a more direct route to major glory.
LIV’s Growing Major Footprint
Niemann isn’t the only LIV name making major noise. The upcoming PGA Championship, just around the corner from May 15–18, will feature Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson. These are all LIV stars with proven major pedigrees.
Say what you want about LIV’s team formats and international schedule, but the talent pool is deep, and the majors are taking notice.
The inclusion of a LIV-specific exemption for the U.S. Open marks a quiet but important shift: acknowledgment. Whether traditionalists like it or not, LIV Golf is no longer a golf outlier. It’s becoming part of the fabric of the major championship picture.
Niemann’s firepower and recent form make him a dark horse threat come June. With a retooled U.S. Open format giving LIV stars a clearer path and Oakmont’s punishing layout demanding precision and poise, all eyes will be on how these LIV contenders stack up.
If Niemann’s early season is any indication, he won’t just be happy to be there—he’ll be looking to win it. With so many different outlets for golf now, storylines and opportunities remain very interesting for all professional golfers.
