LIV Golf star speaks out after 10 rebels sneak into US Open to keep streak alive
Sergio Garcia will continue his run of playing in every major championship since 1999 after the Spaniard was handed a late invite to the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Sergio Garcia has described it as a "great feeling" to be playing in this week's US Open after sneaking into the field as an alternate. His initial attempt to qualify in Dallas last month proved unsuccessful, putting his 24-year streak of playing in the major under threat.
Garcia's ranking has fallen since he joined the controversial LIV Golf two years ago, and his five-year exemption for winning the 2017 Masters has expired, necessitating his participation in the qualifying event. A stellar opening round of five-under-par at the Dallas Athletic Club on May 20 seemed to have secured his place, but a second round score of two-over forced him into a seven-man playoff for the six available spots at Pinehurst No. 2.
Despite being eliminated on the first playoff hole after carding a bogey, Garcia was one of four alternates added to the field by the United States Golf Association on Monday. Otto Black and Maxwell Moldovan also earned their places after near misses in the Columbus and Springfield qualifiers, while Amateur Brendan Valdes received an invitation following his close call in the Jupiter qualifier.
"Made it," a relieved Garcia posted on social media on Monday. "I wasn't ready to break 25 consecutive years of playing in the U.S. Open just yet. Great feeling to be headed to Pinehurst tomorrow."
Garcia has expressed his relief and excitement about continuing his remarkable streak at the US Open. He will be joined by a host of other stars including former Masters champion Adam Scott, who is set to play in his 92nd consecutive major championship after securing a top-60 exemption.
Despite being ranked 61st in the OWGR, Scott's entry comes following the tragic passing of Grayson Murray.
Bob MacIntyre of Scotland has also secured his spot through a top-60 exemption, riding high on his recent successes, including a victory at the Canadian Open and a commendable tie for eighth at the PGA Championship, placing him 41st in the OWGR.
The field will see a significant presence from LIV Golf players, with Garcia being one of 10. Major winners like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Phil Mickelson have all qualified through exemptions.
Martin Kaymer will return to the spotlight as well, playing on a winner's exemption at the very venue where he clinched his last professional win, the US Open at Pinehurst, ten years ago.
England's Tyrrell Hatton and Poland's Adrian Meronk are set to compete when the tournament kicks off this Thursday. Hatton, currently ranked 20th in the OWGR, has been granted a top-60 exemption, while Meronk earned his place due to an outstanding performance on last year's DP World Tour.
