Sergio Garcia was hit by a gigantic loss! And he likely won’t be playing in the U.S. Open for the first time since 1999, breaking his 25-year streak. All of this happened as a result of a few troublesome events in his recent career. It all started with a bad decision when he left the PGA Tour in 2022 to join LIV and his world ranking took a nosedive, dropping all the way down to 396th. Because of that low ranking, he lost automatic entry into some of golf’s biggest tournaments, like the U.S. Open, and had to fight just to qualify. Well, let’s just say he tried his best but missed making it into the U.S. Open after bogeying the last hole in a tough qualifier round by just one shot. Garcia cried after the last hole, feeling the weight of missing the major.

Just a few days after he poured his heart out and posted, “Unfortunately after failing to qualify on Monday by one shot, looks like my run of 25 consecutive U.S. Open Championships might come to an end this year, unless a little miracle happens. Very proud of this amazing run that I had at this great Major!” He is hoping for a miracle now, and it’s not just the majors giving him trouble. Even in the LIV Golf events, where you’d think he’d have a better shot, he is not doing well. In his last two LIV tournaments in South Korea and Mexico, he didn’t crack the top 40. Plus, he finished fourth place in the International Series event in Macau. It’s been a challenging stretch for the Spanish golf star, and the media hasn’t been going easy on him either.

Alan Shipnuck, a golf journalist associated with Skratch, reposted Garcia’s plea with an insensitive comment, “Artful begging.” Especially considering Garcia’s emotional reaction and the end of his 25-year streak at the tournament. He implied that Garcia’s emotional message wasn’t just honest reflection, but a calculated move to subtly ask for a special exemption into the U.S. Open. It sparked criticism from fans who felt the tone was unnecessarily harsh, given the circumstances. 

Some fans came in to support Garcia: “He should get in, 25 consecutive should earned you lifetime IMO.” Fans believe that Garcia still has it in him and deserves to be in the 2025 U.S. Open, which will be held at Oakmont Country Club. “I’d pay to watch him putt there,” said one fan, showing how eager some are to see him back on the big stage.

While there have been supporters, there have been few critics as well. Fans from the other side of the debate pointed out, “Even if there’s a spot, there are a ton of other players way better than him right now that deserve to get in.” They argue that others have earned the spot more than Garcia based on recent performance. One even added a sarcastic jab: “You could… <checks notes>… play better,” implying that if Garcia had played better in recent tournaments, none of this would be an issue.

Is there the slightest possibility that Sergio Garcia can get a special exemption? 

The chances are slim, but it’s not impossible! The USGA (United States Golf Association) does have the authority to offer special exemptions to players who don’t meet the qualifying criteria. They have done this before, but it’s rare and reserved for exceptional players.

For example, Tom Watson received a special exemption for the 2010 U.S. Open. The USGA also granted Ernie Els special exemptions in both 2018 and 2019, and most recently, Phil Mickelson received one for the 2021 U.S. Open. However, Garcia’s trajectory has not been as smooth as these players.

While he has a strong U.S. Open history with five top-10 finishes and 25 consecutive appearances, Garcia hasn’t won the tournament. Keeping in mind his current OWGR luck is not falling in his favor. Unless the USGA decides to honor his streak and legacy at the event, a special exemption seems unlikely at this stage. The final call lies entirely with the USGA, and as of now, no indication suggests they’re considering an exemption for Sergio Garcia.