USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2023; Adelaide, South Australia, AUS; Talor Gooch with the winner’s trophy after his victory in the individual tournament following the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide golf tournament at Grange Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2023; Adelaide, South Australia, AUS; Talor Gooch with the winner’s trophy after his victory in the individual tournament following the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide golf tournament at Grange Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
Speculation arose around three-time LIV Golf champion Talor Gooch following his concise reply regarding his US Open qualifiers. Many believed that Gooch’s straightforward statement, “I’m not,“ stemmed from his frustration about not being part of the Masters. Reports indicate that aside from Brooks Koepka, his teammates Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell failed to advance through the LIV US Open qualifiers.
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As for Koepka, he has been exempted from the major because of his US Open and PGA Championship victories. However, recent revelations about the LIV US Open qualifying have surprised the community. It’s not just Gooch; many pros, including players like Bubba Watson, were observed not attempting the qualifiers per the same report.
The reason remains a mystery to the community, as the golfers have provided no explanations. Despite being in his prime, Gooch’s decision not to even consider trying to qualify for his national championship has left the community filled with uncertainties.
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A surprisingly high number of LIV players didn't even attempt qualifying… pic.twitter.com/KMmkeW1WMS
— Robopz (@Robopz) May 2, 2024
However, there’s ongoing speculation that Gooch might be concerned about the state of the circuit in the Official World Golf Ranking. Despite passing on the opportunity for LIV US Open qualifiers, it seems that the three-time LIV champion could still earn a spot.
How can Talor Gooch still qualify for the US Open?
Tournaments like the US Open are also recognized for granting sponsor exemptions to players who may not be in the field but are deemed deserving. Similar to how LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann received a special invitation for the Masters, there remains a possibility for Gooch to earn a spot through such means. While it’s not confirmed whether Gooch will receive an invitation, there’s still a possibility that the 32-year-old might choose not to accept it because he passed on the opportunity at the qualifiers.
Throughout his 10-year professional career from 2014, the golfer has participated in the major two times- in 2017 and 2022. However, in the 2023 edition, he could not participate because of a slight change in the major’s rules. During the major at LA Country Club in June 2023, Gooch was initially qualified.
Reuters
Golf – LIV Golf Mayakoba – El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course, Playa del Carmen, Mexico – February 2, 2024 Smash GC’s Talor Gooch in action during the first round REUTERS/Raquel Cunha
However, shortly after, the USGA announced a rule change, adjusting the eligibility criteria from “Those players qualifying for the season-ending Tour Championship” to “Those players who qualified and were eligible for the season-ending 2022 Tour Championship.” It posed an obstacle when the golfer left the PGA Tour in June 2022, resulting in a ban from participating in the finale by the Jay Monahan-led circuit.
What are your thoughts on the pro who passed on the opportunity for the LIV US Open, and do you believe Talor Gooch could still receive an invitation?
Written by
Edited by
Jacob Gijy