Tom McKibbin on joining LIV Golf: 'I wasn't playing in those majors anyway so it didn’t bother me'
NO REGRETS: Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland shake hands. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
One LIV Golf League player will receive an exemption for this year's US Open, tournament organisers have announced.
The top player, who is not otherwise exempt and is in the top three of the Saudi-funded breakaway's standings on May 19, will earn a place in the field at Oakmont from June 12-15.
The top 10 players in the standings on April 7 will also be exempt from local qualifying for the year's third major championship.
The direct entry exemption will change to two players in 2026, with the top player from 2025's final standings eligible along with another player based on the 2026 points standings in the spring.
That will come as good news for Northern Ireland native Tom McKibbin, who explained on Wednesday why he decided to join LIV Golf.
“It’s been really cool just to see this whole new environment, especially night golf this week. It’s been pretty cool the last couple of nights playing in the dark,” began McKibbin.
“Obviously being young and 22. I’ve watched this for the last couple years since it started, and it’s something that I’ve really liked to watch, something very different, something that probably appeals to more people my age.
“I think sort of the opportunity to get to play with these guys here and learn from some of the best players in the world week in, week out is something that appealed very, very nicely to me.”
Rory McIlroy recently told McKibbin that he would be potentially sacrificing playing in the Ryder Cup and Majors should he make the move, which McKibbin admitted was “definitely in his mind”.
“But to me, I wasn’t in any of those anyway,” he added.
“Again, the opportunity to get to play with guys out here more often, more consistently was definitely a huge factor.
“But I think I wasn’t in – I’m not in those majors anyway at the minute, so it really didn’t bother me too much.”
Speaking on the exemption, USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer said: "The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship.
"Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category."
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil welcomed the move.
"We're pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the US Open and appreciate Mike Whan's leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf," O'Neil said.
"Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf's biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf's governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world."
None of the other majors currently offers a direct spot via the LIV standings, although Joaquin Niemann has received an invite to the Masters in 2024 and 2025.
Niemann and Sergio Garcia have also both reportedly received an invite for May's US PGA Championship.
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