PGA Tour golfer Michael Kim got his U.S. Open invitation and immediately started thinking about the next one. Thanks to his current ranking, further good news could soon be on the way.

Kim, currently ranked 45th in the world, posted on X on May 18 that he had received an official exemption letter from the USGA for the 126th U.S. Open Championship. He was direct about what he was really after.

"Not the worst consolation prize," Kim wrote on X. "If I stay in the top 50 after one more week, I'm also exempt into the Open champ. Currently 45."

The tournament runs June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Kim qualified under category 21 OWGR Top 50 as of May 2026.

This is an important moment for Kim, who has quietly improved his game. Kim has multiple top-15 finishes this season, including a tied second-place finish at the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona.

He also played well at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in early March.

This will be Kim's third U.S. Open appearance after his strong comeback on the PGA Tour. His last U.S. Open was in 2018. In 2013, he finished tied for 17th at the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and earned low-amateur honors.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the most famous golf courses in America in 2026. The course is known for being very challenging and has often produced high scores in major championships.

Kim's world ranking of 45th also gives him a good chance to play in a second major tournament this summer, and he has spoken about that possibility himself.

Michael Kim Rebuilt His Career to Earn a Return to Major Championship Golf

Kim's journey back to major championship golf was not easy. He was a top player at the University of California, Berkeley, and also played on the winning 2013 Walker Cup USA team.

During his college years, he played alongside Max Homa, who later became a multiple PGA Tour winner. But after college, it took Kim some time to find success on tour.

Michael Kim has a strong U.S. Open pedigree, highlighted by his 2013 low-amateur finish at Merion and his 2013 Walker Cup success, and he arrives at Shinnecock in solid 2026 form.

Now, his chance to play in two major tournaments this summer depends on staying in his current position in the world rankings for one more week.

Do you think Michael Kim can hold his top-50 ranking and secure both major starts? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote