The stage is set for the 2026 PGA Championship, the second major of the golf season, scheduled for May 14-17. A compelling field has been assembled, drawing talent from the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the LIV Golf circuit, which is currently navigating a significant funding crisis after the Saudi PIF pulled its financial backing.
Leading the charge from the LIV Golf ranks are major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, whose professional futures have been subjects of speculation. They will be joined by fellow LIV competitor and major winner Dustin Johnson, who received a special invitation from the PGA of America. Johnson's world ranking has fallen to No. 468, making him ineligible for automatic entry. Other LIV players granted exemptions include recent major winner Cam Smith, 2025 Ryder Cup participant Tyrrell Hatton, former PGA champion Martin Kaymer, and Joaquin Niemann, who earned his spot via a top-15 finish last year. Younger LIV talents Elvis Smylie, David Puig, Tom McKibbin, and first-year player Thomas Detry also received invitations.
The field will be missing two iconic figures. Phil Mickelson, the 2021 champion who became the oldest major winner at age 50, has officially withdrawn due to personal matters, the same reason he cited for missing The Masters. His spot will be taken by American Max Homa. Tiger Woods will also be absent as he continues his recovery following a car crash and a subsequent driving under the influence charge in March. He is undergoing treatment in Switzerland, and a return to competitive golf remains uncertain.
With 154 players confirmed, two final spots remain up for grabs. The Myrtle Beach Classic and the Truist Championship, both live on Sky Sports, will each offer one additional place to their winner, provided that golfer has not already qualified for the major. The Truist Championship is particularly notable as it marks the return of Rory McIlroy, who is playing his first tournament since his historic Masters victory.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will aim to retain his title, entering the event in strong form with three consecutive top-two finishes, including a win at the RBC Heritage Open. However, much of the pre-tournament narrative surrounds McIlroy, who has expressed a renewed hunger for success after completing the Grand Slam.
"It feels a lot different," McIlroy said ahead of the Truist Championship. "Even winning felt different. I felt like winning the Grand Slam was going to be this life-changing thing and in some ways it was, but in other ways I had to remember, 'no, I still have a lot of my career left and I want to keep playing and keep competing'. This year, winning was validation for all the work that I've put in over the last few years to get myself back to this place where I'm winning majors. I'm excited for the road ahead."
The full field list includes a global array of talent, from established stars like Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, and Tommy Fleetwood to rising players and qualifiers. The tournament promises a fascinating clash between the tours against the backdrop of professional golf's ongoing landscape shifts. Based on reporting from SkySports | News.