Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell booked his place at this year’s US Open after successfully progressing through final qualifying, earning a return to the tournament for the first time since 2022.
The Northern Irish golfer secured one of the qualifying spots at Woodmont Country Club in Maryland and will now compete at the prestigious Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, where the 2026 US Open is set to be held.
McDowell, who famously won the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2010, described the qualification as a special achievement after enduring a difficult spell in recent years. The 46-year-old has struggled for consistency since joining LIV Golf but now gets another opportunity to compete on one of golf’s biggest stages.
In contrast, former Masters champion Sergio Garcia narrowly missed out on qualification after finishing outside the required spots at the Dallas qualifier. Garcia, who won the 2017 Masters, will miss the US Open for the second consecutive year.
English golfer Nathan Kimsey emerged as one of the notable success stories of the qualifying rounds after earning his maiden appearance at the US Open. Kimsey secured his spot through the Walton Heath qualifier in England and will make his debut at the major championship next month.
Several LIV Golf players managed to qualify for the tournament, continuing the strong presence of the Saudi-backed circuit in major championships despite ongoing divisions within professional golf.
The 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills is expected to attract one of the strongest fields in recent history, with world number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau among the headline names.
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