A total of 18 players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series have entered qualifying for next month's US Open at Pinehurst due to the ongoing world ranking issues facing the breakaway circuit.

With LIV Golf yet to receive Official World Golf Ranking points for its events, many of its players have fallen down the rankings and lost exemption into major championships. As a result, 18 stars will attempt to secure one of the remaining 44 spots in the US Open field via local and sectional qualifyings.

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell leads the LIV contingent taking on qualifying. The Northern Irishman will play at The Bear's Club in Florida in a bid to qualify for his first major in four years. Joining McDowell will be another ex-major winner Charl Schwartzel.

The in-form Joaquin Niemann heads to The Bear's Club as arguably the most high-profile LIV player in the fields. The Chilean, currently top of the LIV individual money list, is searching for his place having missed out on qualifying points.

Niemann's LIV compatriots Mito Pereira and Sebastian Munoz will also try their luck in Florida and Maryland respectively. Others attempting to qualify include Lucas Herbert, Kieran Vincent, Marc Leishman, Andy Ogletree and Harold Varner III.

With so many star names affected by the rankings freeze, Monday's qualifier takes on huge significance for LIV Golf and its representation in one of golf's biggest events. All 18 stars will be hoping for the fortune and form to earn their spot at Pinehurst later this month.

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Here is the 18 LIV Golf stars who will compete in U.S. Open qualifying:

How many LIV Golf players have successfully qualified for the U.S. Open so far?

11 LIV Golf players have successfully qualified for the U.S. Open, including:

1. Dean Burmester

2. David Puig

3. Joaquin Niemann

4. Graeme McDowell

5. Charl Schwartzel

6. Mito Pereira

7. Sebastian Munoz

8. Lucas Herbert

9. Marc Leishman

10. Andy Ogletree

11. Harold Varner III

Which LIV Golf players are considered the biggest threats in the U.S. Open qualifying?

Joaquin Niemann has been in strong form recently, winning events on the DP World Tour and LIV Golf this season. He is currently the leading the LIV Golf individual points standings for 2024.

David Puig secured his U.S. Open spot by winning the qualifying tournament at Lake Merced Golf Club in California. He shot rounds of 68 and 64 for a total of 12-under par.

Dean Burmester also qualified for the U.S. Open through the qualifier at The Bear's Club in Florida.

References: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/golf/liv-golf-us-open-qualifying-32949570

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