Playing under the lights in the season-opening event for LIV Golf in Saudi Arabia, Adrian Meronk lit up the night in winning his first individual title on the tour.
Meronk, in his second year with LIV, won by two strokes over Jon Rahm and Sebastián Muñoz at Riyadh Golf Club in the individual competition while Rahm’s Legion XIII captured the team title. Meronk's triumph gave him an early lead in the race for a newly announced exemption into the 2025 U.S. Open for an LIV player.
“Super special” is how the 31-year-old Polish pro described his victory after finishing 54 holes at 17-under-par 199. “I was nervous all day. I played quite good in the beginning, then got – it was a fight at the end. But super happy that I crossed the line, and it was very satisfying, definitely, winning that tournament.”
Legion XIII, led by Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin (making his LIV debut) and second-year pro Caleb Surratt, picked up its fifth victory since Rahm arrived last year.
“There’s no coincidence that I’ve tried to keep the team young. The idea here is hopefully find four really strong players and form a team that lasts together for a long time. Hopefully we can create a powerhouse that can do what many other teams in other disciplines have been able to do,” Rahm said.
“I might be a little early to say that, but the goal is there. Me and Tyrrell having the experience, and then having two younger guys with that much talent, yeah, I like our chances to possibly see the podium again, and I was very hopeful coming into this year, and I think this week only proves what we can do.”
In addition to being played under the lights, it was the first LIV event played under new team scoring rules. Previously, only the three best scores of the four players were counted toward the team total the first two days with all four scores counting in the final round.
Under the new rules, all four scores will count every day with the goal of producing more volatility in the team competition.
The USGA announced the top LIV player not otherwise exempt and in the top three in the 2025 individual standings through May 19 will be exempt into the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. In addition, the top 10 players in the LIV standings through April 7 will be exempt into final qualifying for the U.S. Open.
Beginning with the 2026 championship at Shinnecock Hills, the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the final 2025 LIV Golf individual standings and the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three of the 2026 LIV individual standings as of May 18, 2026, will receive a full exemption. The top 10 players from the final 2025 LIV Golf individual standings as well as the top 10 players from the 2026 LIV Golf individual standings as of April 6, 2026, will receive a local exemption into final U.S. Open qualifying.
“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship. Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category,” John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, said in a statement.
Ron Green Jr.