Talor Gooch’s withdrawal from the U.S. Open qualifying is more than just a line in a stat sheet—it’s a missed opportunity for a talented player navigating a complicated career path
While his reasons remain unclear, the disappointment is evident among fans and analysts who were hoping to see him challenge for a major this summer.
His journey is far from over, and if Gooch’s past resilience is any indication, he will return stronger. But for now, the 2025 U.S. Open will go on without him, and the golf world is left wondering what might have been.
Talor Gooch’s 2024 LIV Golf campaign has been one of ups and downs. After storming LIV Golf in 2023 with multiple victories, this season has been more about resilience, adjustments, and flashes of potential.
With a podium finish now under his belt, Gooch seems poised to make a comeback in the latter half of the year.
Whether he adds another win remains to be seen, but fans can be sure he’ll keep fighting.
One thing is clear: Gooch has the talent and experience to bounce back—and if his recent performances are any indication, he may just be heating up at the right time.
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Talor Gooch’s U.S. Open Dream Ends Early
A Disappointing Turn of Events for LIV Golf Standout
Talor Gooch, one of the breakout stars of LIV Golf in recent years, will not be participating in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.1
The 33-year-old Oklahoma native was attempting to qualify for the major tournament through the U.S. Open final qualifying stage but unexpectedly withdrew with just three holes remaining.
Gooch’s withdrawal (officially listed as a DNF—Did Not Finish) has surprised fans and analysts alike, especially given his recent run of success on the LIV Golf circuit.
A Promising Round Cut Short
Gooch was not performing at his best during the qualifier but wasn’t entirely out of contention either.
Through 15 holes, he was sitting at +1, which placed him 52nd out of 76 players.
While that score was unlikely to be enough to secure a U.S. Open berth, it was still possible for him to make a late charge in the final holes or at least finish the round with pride.
However, to the surprise of many, Gooch walked off the course before completing the final three holes.
The reason for his withdrawal has not been publicly disclosed, adding mystery to an already puzzling situation.
The announcement was first shared by NUCLR Golf, stating:
“This year’s U.S. Open will have an asterisk beside it as LIV Golf star Talor Gooch will not be in the field after walking off the course with 3 holes to play at final qualifying. He DNF.”
The LIV Golf Impact on Major Appearances
Talor Gooch’s journey in professional golf has been one of steady growth and recent stardom—especially since joining LIV Golf. He has emerged as one of the Saudi-backed tour’s biggest names, winning three individual events in 2023: Adelaide, Singapore, and Andalusia.
These victories not only showcased his talent but also boosted his reputation as a legitimate contender in professional golf, even outside the PGA Tour’s framework.
However, the split between LIV Golf and the established tours like the PGA Tour and DP World Tour has created barriers for LIV players trying to enter major championships.
Without access to regular PGA Tour events and ranking points, LIV players such as Gooch often rely on sponsor exemptions or have to go through competitive qualifying—like the one Gooch just withdrew from—to make it into major fields.
A Contrast from 2024: No Attempt, No Explanation
Adding to the intrigue of this year’s withdrawal is the fact that Gooch did not even attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open in 2024.
When asked whether he planned to participate in the final qualifier last year, his response was brief and direct:
“I am not.”
No further explanation was provided then, and his withdrawal in 2025 has followed a similar pattern of silence. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation from fans and pundits, ranging from possible injury to dissatisfaction with the qualifying process itself.
Talor Gooch: The Major Championship Drought Continues
Despite his success in other tournaments, Talor Gooch is still chasing his first major championship win. He has participated in several majors over the years, with limited success.2
His most recent appearance came at the 2024 PGA Championship, where he finished tied for 60th (T60). While it was not a headline-grabbing result, it was a respectable showing for a player not regularly competing on the PGA Tour.
With his failure to qualify for the 2025 U.S. Open, Gooch’s drought in the majors will continue. Unless he receives an exemption or qualifies through another method, the Oakmont field will be without one of LIV Golf’s most decorated players.
Got some good golf going again 💯
Started strong today, took the lead, then finished the day T3 with plenty of good golf left for tomorrow 👊🏼 @SmashGC is primed for a solid day tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/9VkYZFqh2i— Talor Gooch (@TalorGooch) May 3, 2025
Rise to Prominence: From Web.com to LIV Champion
Gooch’s career began modestly after he turned professional in 2014. His first notable win came in 2017 on the Web.com Tour, where he claimed the News Sentinel Open.
That victory was a stepping stone that eventually led him to the PGA Tour, where he earned his first and only win at the 2021 RSM Classic.
His decision to join LIV Golf in 2022 was seen as a controversial move at the time, but it quickly paid off in terms of success and visibility.
In 2023, Gooch found his rhythm on the LIV circuit and captured three individual titles, proving that he could contend and win against a competitive field.
Why Did Talor Gooch Withdraw?
Speculation Swirls
One of the biggest questions lingering in the golf world is why Talor Gooch decided to walk off the course with just three holes to play.3
At +1 through 15 holes, his chances of qualifying were slim but not impossible. A few birdies could have given him an outside shot, or at the very least, he could have finished with pride.
Some speculate that Gooch may have suffered from an undisclosed injury or illness, forcing him to withdraw mid-round.
Others wonder whether frustration or mental fatigue played a role, especially given the tension that often accompanies U.S. Open qualifiers. Without a public statement from Gooch or his team, the true reason remains unknown.
The LIV Dilemma: A Broader Issue for Players
Gooch’s failed qualification also highlights a broader issue that many LIV Golf players face.
With limited access to Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and traditional PGA Tour events, they are often left out of the automatic qualification categories for majors.
That leaves players like Gooch with only a few options: win a major, secure a high finish in another major, or succeed in competitive qualifying.
This ongoing struggle for LIV players to access golf’s most prestigious tournaments continues to fuel the debate about the legitimacy and future of LIV Golf. As the sport’s landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how governing bodies like the USGA and R&A will adapt.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Debate
Unsurprisingly, Gooch’s withdrawal has stirred conversation across golf forums and social media.
Some fans have expressed disappointment, believing that a player of Gooch’s caliber should have seen the round through regardless of his position.
Others sympathize with the pressures players face and suggest that Gooch may have had valid personal or health-related reasons to step away.
One common sentiment is clear: fans want answers. Gooch’s decision to walk off the course without explanation has left a vacuum that invites rumors and speculation.
Whether he eventually addresses the situation or not, it will likely remain a talking point until the next major.
What’s Next for Talor Gooch?
Despite missing out on the 2025 U.S. Open, Gooch still has plenty of golf ahead of him. LIV Golf continues to grow in prominence, and Gooch remains one of its biggest draws.
His success in 2023 showed that he can win in high-stakes environments, and he’ll likely be a contender in upcoming LIV events.
He may also set his sights on qualifying for other majors such as The Open Championship or the PGA Championship, depending on available pathways.
If the major organizations continue to allow LIV players to compete through qualification or invitation, Gooch will have more chances to prove himself on golf’s biggest stages.
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Talor Gooch’s 2024 LIV Golf Campaign
A Season of Setbacks and Surprises
Talor Gooch entered the 2024 LIV Golf season as one of the top players to watch. After a stellar 2023 campaign, where he secured three individual titles and finished as the season-long points champion, expectations were high.
However, the Oklahoma native has had a challenging time replicating his success this year. With seven events under his belt and only three top-20 finishes to show for it, Gooch’s performance has left fans and analysts puzzled.
Let’s break down his year so far, tournament by tournament.
A Rocky Start in Riyadh
Gooch began his 2024 LIV season at the LIV Golf Invitational in Riyadh, held at the Riyadh Golf Club.
Expectations were high, but the performance was underwhelming. He shot a two-under-par 214 over three rounds to finish T44, marking his second-worst finish of the season.
Riyadh was a clear indicator that Gooch might be struggling with form or confidence. The course didn’t seem to favor his style, and he couldn’t get into a rhythm.
While he avoided finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard, his overall play lacked the precision and flair that made him one of LIV Golf’s standout stars in 2023.
The Adelaide Struggle: A Career-Worst Showing
If Riyadh was a stumble, LIV Golf Adelaide was a full-blown collapse. Competing at the Grange Golf Club in South Australia, Gooch finished T51, his lowest finish in LIV Golf to date.
His score of 10-over 226 across three rounds was a shocking display from the defending LIV Golf individual champion.
The Adelaide course proved brutal for Gooch, who struggled with driving accuracy and greens in regulation. His putting, often a strong point in his game, also deserted him. This event became the low point of his 2024 campaign and raised concerns about whether he could bounce back.
Hong Kong Woes: Another Disappointing Outing
LIV Golf Hong Kong did not provide the rebound Gooch was hoping for. He finished in 49th place, again well outside the top half of the leaderboard.
Despite better weather and more favorable playing conditions than in Adelaide, Gooch failed to make a significant impact.
The course at Hong Kong Golf Club requires strategic shot placement and sharp iron play, areas where Gooch continued to fall short. While his short game improved marginally, it wasn’t enough to lift him out of the slump he had fallen into.
Talor Gooch: Top-20 Finish in Miami
Battling the Blue Monster
Gooch’s first notable performance of 2024 came at LIV Golf Miami, played at the legendary Trump National Doral, affectionately known as the Blue Monster.
He handled the challenging course better than many of his peers and finished T12 with a score of two-over 218.
This performance was a welcome relief for Gooch and his fans. His ability to manage a demanding course like Doral showcased his mental toughness and course management. The T12 finish marked his first top-20 placement of the season and was his best showing since 2023.
Mexico City Momentum: Building Consistency
At LIV Golf Mexico, held at the El Camaleón Golf Course, Gooch showed further signs of regaining his form. He shot a six-under 207 over three rounds, which placed him at T13 for the event.
The course layout, known for its tight fairways and unique coastal design, played to Gooch’s strengths.
He looked sharp with his irons and putted with confidence. Two consecutive top-15 finishes suggested that the former champion was slowly rediscovering his groove.
Talor Gooch: Work Out
Talor Gooch shared how his discipline, patience and commitment help him to do intense workout and stay fit.
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Breakthrough in Korea: A Podium Finish
Talor Gooch’s best performance of the 2024 LIV season so far came at LIV Golf Korea.
Playing at the prestigious Jamsil Country Club, Gooch finally returned to the top of the leaderboard, finishing in third place with a score of 14-under 202 (65-71-66).
Although he didn’t secure the win, Gooch’s consistent play across all three rounds was impressive. He opened with a sizzling 65, kept himself in contention with a 71 in the second round, and closed with a strong 66.
His third-place finish marked a significant turning point in a season that had, until then, lacked highlights.
Despite this success, he was overshadowed by Bryson DeChambeau, who dominated the field with a 19-under finish.
Charles Howell III also edged Gooch for second place with 17-under. Nevertheless, Gooch’s podium placement in Korea showed that he still has the capability to compete at a high level.
What’s Gone Wrong in 2024?
The big question surrounding Talor Gooch this season is: What’s gone wrong?
Analysts have pointed to a combination of factors:
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Inconsistency off the tee: Gooch’s driving accuracy has noticeably dropped compared to last season, putting pressure on his approach play.
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Mental fatigue: After a landmark 2023 season, there’s speculation that Gooch may be dealing with mental burnout or pressure to replicate his past success.
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Adjustments in competition: The LIV field has grown stronger, with several new and experienced players raising the level of play across the board.
These factors have combined to derail his momentum, and while he’s shown flashes of brilliance, sustained excellence has eluded him.
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