The 2025 PGA Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling event as it welcomes a diverse field of players, including a notable presence from LIV Golf. The tournament is set to take place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, from May 15 to May 18, 2025. With 16 players from LIV Golf competing, this marks an increase from the number that participated at Augusta National earlier this year.
Among the 156 players in the field, three are past champions of the PGA Championship, highlighting the caliber of talent present. Notably, two of the last four PGA Championships have been clinched by players affiliated with LIV Golf, a factor that adds an intriguing layer to the competition.
As the tournament approaches, here’s a closer look at the LIV Golf players who will be teeing off at Quail Hollow:
- Richard Bland - Best finish: MC (2022)
- Dean Burmester - Best finish: T-12 (2024)
- John Catlin - Best finish: MC (2021)
- Bryson DeChambeau - Best finish: 2 (2024)
- Sergio Garcia - Best finish: T-2 (2008)
- Tyrrell Hatton - Best finish: T-10 (2016, 2018)
- Dustin Johnson - Best finish: 2 (2011, 2019, 2020)
- Martin Kaymer - Best finish: 1 (2010)
- Brooks Koepka - Best finish: 1 (2018, 2019, 2023)
- Tom McKibbin - Best finish: First appearance
- Phil Mickelson - Best finish: 1 (2005, 2021)
- Joaquin Niemann - Best finish: T-23 (2022)
- David Puig - Best finish: MC (2024)
- Jon Rahm - Best finish: T-4 (2018)
- Patrick Reed - Best finish: T-2 (2017)
- Cameron Smith - Best finish: T-9 (2023)
The inclusion of these players reflects the ongoing integration of LIV Golf into major tournaments, a trend that has sparked considerable discussion within the golfing community.
In addition to the LIV participants, the field will also see some last-minute invitations granted to notable players struggling with their rankings. Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson received special invites after not meeting the qualification criteria. Fowler, a member of the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team, has been struggling this season, with only one top-20 finish in nine PGA Tour starts. He currently sits at 125th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), a significant drop from his previous standings.
Dustin Johnson, a former World No.1, also found himself in a precarious position as his five-year exemption from his 2020 Masters win expired. Ranked 751st in the OWGR, Johnson has only managed two top-10 finishes in majors since joining LIV Golf in 2022. His last-minute invitation is a welcome opportunity for the two-time Major champion.
Additionally, young golfers Tom McKibbin and David Puig, both members of LIV Golf, were granted invitations to the tournament. Their limited opportunities to earn OWGR points have kept them outside the top 100, which is the standard cutoff for qualification. Joaquin Niemann, who has performed well on the LIV circuit this year, also received a special invite, having previously earned one for the 2025 Masters.
As the tournament draws nearer, it is noteworthy that two spots will be awarded to winners of the Truist Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic, should those players not already be exempt. The field will also feature 14 past champions, although Tiger Woods and John Daly will be notably absent. Woods is currently recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, and his absence from any Major event carries significant weight in the golf world.
Looking at the Canadian contingent, five players will represent Canada at the PGA Championship: Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin, and Mackenzie Hughes. Conners is coming off a strong performance at the Masters, where he finished in the top 10. Taylor secured a victory at Hawaii's Sony Open earlier this year, while Hughes, a local member at Quail Hollow, will have the advantage of familiarity with the course.
As the countdown to the 2025 PGA Championship continues, the anticipation is building. The convergence of LIV Golf and traditional PGA Tour players adds a unique dynamic to the competition. With the stakes high and the talent pool deep, golf fans can expect an exhilarating week of action at Quail Hollow. Will the LIV players make a significant impact, or will the traditionalists assert their dominance? The answers will unfold as the tournament progresses.
In summary, the 2025 PGA Championship promises to be a captivating event, blending established stars with emerging talent and a fresh wave of LIV Golf players. As the tournament kicks off on May 15, all eyes will be on Quail Hollow, where history could be made and legacies could be forged.
