US Golf Association ‘serious’ about letting more LIV

Only 12 LIV players in 156-man field at Pinehurst World No 1 Scheffler playing down status as favourite

The United States Golf Association unveiled plans on Wednesday to discuss pathways for golfers signed with the rebel LIV Golf series into the US Open, acknowledging the permanence of the sport’s “new world order”.

Jon Rahm’s injury withdrawal on Tuesday left only a dozen LIV players in the 156-man field for the season’s third major at Pinehurst No 2 with four coming in through final qualifying and the other eight earning their places through other exemptions. Because the Saudi-financed breakaway circuit is not recognised by the official world golf rankings, players are unable to earn points toward qualification through LIV events.