Johnson to participate in PGA Championship via special invitation

Dustin Johnson has been invited to compete in next week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, after receiving a special exemption from the PGA of America.

The 40-year-old LIV Golf member is a two-time major winner, having claimed the 2016 US Open and the 2020 Masters.

His Masters win allowed him to automatically participate in the next five PGA Championships regardless of qualification, but that exemption expired last year, making this special invite necessary.

Johnson, who has 24 PGA Tour wins and three more since joining LIV, has finished in the top 10 of two LIV events this season, though he missed the cut at the Masters in April.

His best PGA Championship results were runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2020.

Unlike the US Open and Open Championship, the PGA Championship has not created a separate category for LIV, instead following a similar approach to the Masters by using special exemptions.

Kerry Haigh, the championships director for the PGA of America, justified the decision.

"That's what we have done the last three years and continue to do so," Haigh said.

"We have that flexibility to be able to invite those players who are deserving from whichever tour."

6 days until Quail Hollow. pic.twitter.com/aYupYAOWBH

— PGA of America (@PGA) May 6, 2025

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf League will have 16 players set to compete at Quail Hollow, matching last year's total.

Along with Johnson, it also includes high-profile names like Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, and Phil Mickelson, among others.

Xander Schauffele returns as the defending PGA Championship winner after claiming last year's title at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

Joining Schauffele will be world number one Scottie Scheffler and recent Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Former PGA Championship winner Rickie Fowler has also been granted a special exemption, despite slipping to No. 125 in the world rankings.

The 2025 PGA Championship will be held from May 15-18.