Although recent changes to the FedExCup Fall mean winners no longer receive automatic invites to the Masters, that’s hardly a concern for Scottie Scheffler, who clinched the Procore Championship at Silverado Resort in his tournament debut. Already a Masters champion, Scheffler remains exempt for life at Augusta and continues to hold multiple major exemptions through 2030.
The win served more as competitive prep for Scheffler and several fellow U.S. Ryder Cup teammates than a pursuit of exemptions. Their presence in Napa also fostered team chemistry ahead of their clash with Europe—a factor the Americans often struggle to match in the biennial event.
While Scheffler didn’t alter the major entry list, Alex Noren did. The 43-year-old Swede captured the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in England, defeating France’s Adrien Saddier in a playoff with a birdie on the first extra hole. With his second victory in three starts—and a comeback from a torn glute and hamstring—Noren earned exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
Meanwhile, on American soil, Brandon Holtz made a name for himself by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. The 38-year-old amateur from Bloomington, Illinois, beat Jeg Coughlin III 3 & 2 in the final, marking his first USGA title. Holtz, a former Illinois State basketball player turned pro golfer and now reinstated amateur, earns a spot in both the 2026 Masters and U.S. Open, provided he maintains his amateur status.
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Holtz’s dominant match-play run included a thrilling quarterfinal win in 19 holes and a near-flawless semifinal against Christian Cavaliere. His performance puts him in the spotlight as one of amateur golf’s most intriguing comeback stories.
Updated Major Exemptions
New Additions:
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MAS (Masters): Brandon Holtz
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PGA (PGA Championship): Brandon Holtz
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US (U.S. Open): Alex Noren, Brandon Holtz
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OPEN (The Open Championship): Alex Noren
Note: Holtz must remain an amateur to compete in the Masters and U.S. Open.
Notable Golfers & Major Eligibility Highlights
| Golfer | Qualified Majors |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | SE, TPC, MAS, PGA, US, OPEN |
| Alex Noren | US, OPEN |
| Brandon Holtz | MAS, US (Amateur) |
| Ludvig Åberg | SE, TPC, MAS, *PGA, US, OPEN |
| Akshay Bhatia | SE, TPC, MAS, US, OPEN |
| Justin Thomas | SE, TPC, MAS, PGA, US, OPEN |
| Tiger Woods | MAS, PGA, OPEN |
| Rory McIlroy | SE, TPC, MAS, PGA, US, OPEN |
| Jon Rahm | MAS, PGA, US, OPEN |
A full list of major exemptions by player is available upon request or via official PGA TOUR resources.
What’s Next in Major Qualification?
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Sept. 23 – Final FedExCup Fall event impacts qualification for The Sentry and THE PLAYERS.
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Oct. 12 – Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner earns spots in SE events and potential majors.
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Dec. 31 & Mar. 30 – Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) cutoffs for Masters.
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April 9–12, 2026 – Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
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May 14–17, 2026 – PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
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June 18–21, 2026 – U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
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July 16–19, 2026 – The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
