US Open 2022: USGA CEO explains why LIV Golf players were allowed to play, what their future holds

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

With the U.S. Open teeing off on Thursday, United States Golf Association (USGA) CEO Mike Whan explained why he decided to allow LIV Golf competitors to play in the third major of the year.

LIV Golf competitors ruffled the feathers of the PGA Tour when they broke from the organization to play in the Saudi-backed league, and their return for the major was put under the microscope.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, speaks to the media at a press conference during a practice round prior to the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club on June 15, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

"Whether we all like it or not, in February, 30 guys played for the same promoter in Saudi Arabia with an acceptable release from the PGA Tour, and for years the DP World Tour has had an event there, same promoter," Whan said Wednesday, via Golf.com. "We also had to ask the question, if you’re going to put that kind of clause in, who gets in, we’ve got to go back to 9,300 people and played last week but who played ever, where, sponsored by. It becomes a pretty slippery slope to try to apply that across 9,300 people."

The USGA was put in a tough spot about whether to bar players who have already qualified after jumping last minute for LIV Golf. Ultimately, Whan said he did not think players disqualified themselves from the U.S. Open.

As for the future, Whan said it could be more difficult for those golfers to get in.

Dustin Johnson hits on the seventh hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at The Country Club, Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Brookline, Mass.  (AP