In an official announcement made Tuesday, the PGA Championship unveiled its field for the upcoming event at Valhalla, with notable inclusions of seven players from the Saudi-funded LIV Golf initiative. This move solidifies the major’s reputation for attracting the world’s top talent, with 99 out of the top 100 players in the world ranking slated to compete.
The PGA of America traditionally aims to host the strongest field among the four majors, and while not mandatory, endeavors to secure participation from the top 100 players globally. However, these aspirations were slightly dampened as Rikuya Hoshino (ranked No. 94) withdrew from the tournament.
Among the LIV players granted special invitations is Patrick Reed, currently ranked No. 92, whose recent performance at the Masters propelled him into the top 100. Reed maintains an unbroken streak of major appearances since the 2014 Masters.
Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, will once again play host to the PGA Championship from May 16-19, a venue where Rory McIlroy clinched victory in 2014. Notably, the course witnessed Tiger Woods securing his third consecutive major with a playoff win over Bob May in 2000.
Joaquin Niemann, boasting victories at the Australian Open and two LIV Golf events this year, is among the LIV invitees. Additionally, Talor Gooch, primarily active in the Saudi league, surprised many by announcing his invitation via social media.
The PGA’s selection committee demonstrated a keen interest in LIV results by extending invitations to Dean Burmester, Lucas Herbert, and Adrian Meronk, all positioned within the top 100 globally. David Puig, ranked No. 106, secured his invitation based on impressive recent performances on the Asian Tour.
Despite initially receiving an invitation, British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen declined, citing personal commitments. The LIV contingent includes defending champion Brooks Koepka, the sole active LIV player to have claimed a major title.
In line with the PGA’s commitment to global talent, invitations were also extended to deserving players from various tours worldwide, including Tim Widing from Sweden and Kazuma Kobori, a rising talent representing New Zealand. The field additionally comprises 21 club professionals, including those from the recent PGA Professional Championship.
The PGA has reserved two spots, contingent upon the winners of the Wells Fargo Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic not already being eligible. Notably, only a handful of players from the Wells Fargo Championship field remain unqualified, with Alex Smalley poised as the first alternate.
