LIV Stars Miss Cut at U.S. Open as Amateurs Shine and USGA Praises Course Setup

Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm missed the cut at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, marking a difficult stretch for LIV Golf stars amid reports of the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrawing financial support from the league. DeChambeau has now missed three consecutive major cuts, while Rahm, the 2021 champion, erupted in frustration after missing birdie putts on the front nine before shooting a seven-over 78 to finish above the cut line. Dustin Johnson made the cut but struggled with an eight on the 15th hole, highlighting the challenging conditions and the league’s broader instability.

Despite the high-profile misses, the tournament featured bright spots, including five amateurs who made the cut—the most since 2015. Ryder Cowan, Miles Russell, Jackson Koivun, Eric Lee, and Marek Fleming impressed observers, with Cowan briefly leading the field on Thursday. Meanwhile, the USGA received praise for its course management, having adjusted tee boxes and green speeds to accommodate early wind and rain before firming conditions for the weekend. The USGA also debuted an AI-powered rules assistant, signaling a modernization of the sport’s traditional frameworks.