Sergio Garcia’s LIV Golf gamble pays off as he’s handed US Open lifeline

Sergio Garcia said it was a “great feeling” after the LIV Golf star sneaked into this week’s US Open field as an alternate.

It appeared the Spaniard’s 24-year streak of playing in the major was over after he missed out in final qualifying in Dallas last month. Garcia has plummeted down the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) since joining the unsanctioned LIV two years ago.

And his five-year exemption for the US Open from winning the 2017 Masters has elapsed, meaning he had to play in a qualifying event to try to earn a place in the field at Pinehurst No. 2. Garcia played in the Texas qualifier at Dallas Athletic Club on May 20 and looked set to earn his spot with a stellar opening round of five-under-par, but a second loop of two-over forced him into a seven-man playoff, with six places at Pinehurst up for grabs.

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It seemed the 44-year-old had blown his chance to tee it up in North Carolina when he was eliminated on the first playoff hole, carding a bogey when every other player made par or better. However, Garcia was one of four alternates who were added to the field by the United States Golf Association on Monday.

Otto Black and Maxwell Moldovan got in as alternates after near misses in the Columbus and Springfield qualifiers respectively, while Amateur Brendan Valdes has also received an invitation after coming up just short in the Jupiter qualifier.

“Made it,” a relieved Garcia posted on X 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.”

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Garcia will be joined in the field by former Masters winner Adam Scott, who will play in his 92nd consecutive major championship, after gaining a top-60 exemption. Scott is ranked 61st in the OWGR, but he gained his place following the death of Grayson Murray, who remains at No. 59 in the rankings and will not be removed until after the Travelers Championship next week.

Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre also gained a top-60 exemption thanks to his recent good form, winning the Canadian Open and finishing tied for eighth at the PGA Championship. MacIntyre is ranked 41st in the OWGR.