A total of 13 players who have joined the controversial LIV Golf series will tee it up at this year's U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Headlining the group of LIV defectors is defending champion Jon Rahm, who lifted the trophy last year at The Country Club.

Also included in the field is a who's who of major championship winners. Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Martin Kaymer will all bid for their second Open title. Mickelson won the PGA Championship in 2005 and 2021, while DeChambeau, Johnson, Koepka and Kaymer have all previously won the U.S. Open.

Joining those major winners are well-known stars Tyrrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia and Cameron Smith. The latter is fresh off his Open Championship victory at St. Andrews just last month. Garcia secured the final qualifying spot as an alternate after finishing in a seven-way playoff for the last few spots at Dallas qualifying.

Rounding out the contingent of LIV golfers are recent South African Open champion Dean Burmester, young Spaniards Eugenio Lopez Chacarra and Adrian Meronk, and amateur David Puig.

The presence of so many big names who have left the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed venture gives LIV Golf a major platform. It also raises potential tensions as the PGA Tour's battle with Greg Norman's upstart circuit continues. However, the quality and championship pedigree of these players ensures they will be among the favorites to lift the trophy on Father's Day.

With firm and fast conditions expected at Pinehurst, it sets the stage for a true test of golf. Advantage could lie with those LIV players adept at managing their games under U.S. Open pressure.

Read more: Golf expert's U.S. Open sleeper pick: Back Collin Morikawa for major success at Pinehurst

Which LIV Golf players have the best chances of winning the US Open

Jon Rahm: He's the defending champion and one of the most consistent players. His power and precision suit the demands of US Open courses.

Dustin Johnson: Won the 2016 US Open and has 7 top-10s in the event. One of the longest hitters who can overpower courses when accurate off the tee.

Brooks Koepka: Won the US Open twice, in 2017 and 2018. Known for peaking for majors and having a game that lends itself nicely to title grinding. Experience provides him an advantage.

Martin Kaymer: 2014 US Open winner who proved he can navigate demanding layouts. Still plays smart, positional golf and putts well under pressure.

Bryson DeChambeau: Reigning US Open champion from 2020 thanks to his approach focused on length and eliminating rough. A proven successful formula.

Phil Mickelson: Highly motivated to win the US Open as the lone major missing from his resume. Showed in 2021 he's capable despite his age if putting well.

Tyrrell Hatton: Ranks among the best in stroke average and can overpower courses. Has contended in majors before and well-rounded game for links/firm style tests.

LIV Golf members in the U.S. Open field

Dean Burmester, final qualifying

Bryson DeChambeau, 2020 U.S. Open winner

Sergio Garcia, final qualifying

Tyrrell Hatton, qualified via 2023 Tour Championship

Dustin Johnson, 2016 U.S. Open winner

Martin Kaymer, 2014 U.S. Open winner

Brooks Koepka, 2018 U.S. Open winner

Eugenio Lopez Chacarra, final qualifying

Adrian Meronk, qualified via 2023 Race to Dubai

Phil Mickelson, 2021 PGA Championship winner

David Puig, final qualifying

Jon Rahm, 2021 U.S. Open winner

Cameron Smith, 2022 Open Championship winner

References: https://golf.com/news/13-liv-golf-players-us-open-field/

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