Dustin Johnson Receives Special Invitation to 2025 PGA Championship

Golf fans hoping to see two-time major winner Dustin Johnson at this year’s PGA Championship got good news on Tuesday — Johnson will be teeing it up at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, from May 15 to 18. While his qualification window from his 2020 Masters victory has expired, the PGA of America made the decision to extend Johnson a special exemption, ensuring that the former World No. 1 and LIV Golf standout will have another shot at a major title.

At 40 years old, Johnson continues to be one of the most recognizable names in the sport. His resume speaks for itself: a U.S. Open title in 2016, a Masters green jacket from 2020, and 24 PGA Tour victories before joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League in 2022. Since then, he has added three more wins on the LIV circuit — although that success hasn’t translated to consistent form in the majors.

In fact, his most recent appearance at Augusta National saw him miss the cut — a reminder that form and legacy don’t always align. But the PGA Championship, known as the most inclusive of golf’s four majors, has opted to open its doors to Johnson once again. And he’s not alone.

A Field That Balances Rankings and Recognition

The PGA of America builds its tournament field primarily using the top 70 players from the PGA Tour points list — a money-based ranking from the past 12 months. But the organizers also leave room for discretion. Through special invites, they can include players who, while not qualifying through the standard process, have demonstrated a level of play, notoriety, or contribution that merits inclusion.

Dustin Johnson clearly fits that mold.

Kerry Haigh, the PGA’s championship director, addressed the policy: “We’ve followed this process the last few years — looking at players across all tours and inviting those we believe are deserving of a spot in the field.”

What makes this year’s invite stand out even more is that the PGA, unlike the U.S. Open and Open Championship, hasn’t created a special qualifying path for LIV players. Their inclusion depends largely on either earning enough world ranking points — which is increasingly difficult due to LIV’s limited eligibility in the Official World Golf Ranking system — or on discretionary exemptions.

The new OWGR formula, adjusted in 2023, places a stronger emphasis on events with deeper, more competitive fields. As a result, many LIV players have seen their rankings slide, despite consistent performances in their league. Johnson, who was once a fixture in the top 10, has felt this pressure firsthand.

Who Else from LIV Made the Cut

Johnson will be joined by 15 other LIV golfers at Quail Hollow. Among the more high-profile names: Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, and Cameron Smith — all former major champions.

Also making appearances are up-and-coming LIV players like Joaquín Niemann and Tom McKibbin. The latter, a young Northern Irishman, briefly cracked the world top 100 before signing with LIV earlier this year. Though his current ranking has slipped to No. 115, McKibbin’s inclusion reflects the broader effort to maintain a global flavor in the major fields.

One surprise name is John Catlin. Not known for LIV dominance, Catlin earned his PGA Championship slot by performing well on the Asian Tour — which still feeds into the world rankings and provides alternate routes into majors for players outside the traditional PGA or DP World Tour frameworks.

In total, the LIV contingent represents roughly 10% of the 156-player field. That number is consistent with last year, highlighting the PGA of America’s effort to balance tradition, merit, and the evolving nature of professional golf.

Special Invites Aren’t Just for LIV Players

Johnson isn’t the only player benefiting from the PGA’s exemption process. Rickie Fowler, currently ranked No. 125 in the world, also received an invitation.

Fowler’s career has had its ups and downs, but his connection to Quail Hollow — where he notched his first PGA Tour win back in 2012 — and his presence on the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team helped tip the scales in his favor. The PGA does have a category for Ryder Cup participants, but only if they’re inside the top 100 globally. Fowler didn’t qualify on that metric, but his history and fan appeal made him a strong candidate for a discretionary spot.

Fowler’s inclusion, like Johnson’s, underscores that the PGA Championship is willing to think beyond strict rankings to enhance its field with players who have both track records and storylines.

A Star-Studded Showdown Ahead

With Dustin Johnson and several other LIV notables added to a field already headlined by the likes of defending champion Xander Schauffele, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and Masters winner Rory McIlroy, this year’s PGA Championship is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.

Johnson, for his part, will be aiming to recapture some of the magic he showed in 2019 and 2020, when he finished runner-up in back-to-back PGA Championships. He’s proven he can handle the pressure of the big stage. But with younger stars emerging and a crowded leaderboard expected, it won’t be easy.

Still, few players possess Johnson’s combination of power, experience, and course management — tools that will be essential at a Quail Hollow layout known for punishing mistakes and rewarding precision.

Source: Dustin Johnson gets special invitation to PGA Championship

The Bigger Picture: LIV’s Place in the Majors

This moment isn’t just about Johnson — it reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s place in the broader golfing ecosystem.

While the LIV-PGA Tour rift appears to be thawing behind the scenes, players remain caught in the middle. Majors are among the few stages where LIV and PGA Tour stars still cross paths. Invitations like Johnson’s give fans a chance to see some of the world’s most talented players go head-to-head, regardless of tour affiliation.

But the system remains fluid. With the Official World Golf Ranking not recognizing LIV events, and most traditional tours requiring players to choose a side, these special exemptions have become a lifeline for LIV’s elite when it comes to the majors.

Johnson, who has largely avoided the controversy that has surrounded some of his LIV peers, remains a popular figure. His game — when on — is still among the most explosive in the world. And his inclusion in this year’s PGA field offers a reminder that golf’s gatekeepers are still willing to make room for legacy and star power, even if it comes from outside the mainstream.

Looking Ahead

As the calendar turns toward one of golf’s biggest weeks, all eyes will be on Quail Hollow. Can Dustin Johnson shake off his recent struggles and contend once again? Or will the next wave of talent rise up to challenge the game’s biggest names?

One thing is certain: Johnson’s presence adds intrigue, firepower, and history to a field already bursting with storylines.

Whether you cheer for the PGA Tour loyalists or are curious to see how the LIV rebels fare, the 2025 PGA Championship is shaping up to be one for the books.

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