PGA Championship invites 7 LIV players to get top 100 in the world

The PGA Championship roster for this year’s tournament at Valhalla has been finalized, boasting an impressive lineup that includes Tiger Woods alongside the entire top 100 players in the world ranking. The inclusion of seven players from the Saudi-funded LIV Golf adds an intriguing dynamic to the mix.

While the PGA of America aims to uphold its reputation for hosting the strongest field among the four majors, it’s worth noting that having the top 100 players isn’t a strict criterion. Instead, the organization utilizes “special invitations” as a catch-all category. This year, those invitations extend to notable players like Patrick Reed, whose recent performance at the Masters secured his spot in the top 100.

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, will once again host the PGA Championship, marking its fourth appearance on the grand stage from May 16th to 19th. Notably, Rory McIlroy claimed victory at Valhalla in 2014, while the course itself is renowned for Tiger Woods’ memorable playoff victory over Bob May in 2000.

Among the recipients of special invitations are players like Joaquin Niemann and Talor Gooch, whose successes within the LIV Golf circuit have garnered attention. Gooch’s inclusion, in particular, signals a willingness from the PGA of America’s selection committee to consider players’ performances outside traditional tours.

In addition to Gooch, invitations were extended to Dean Burmester, Lucas Herbert, Adrian Meronk, and David Puig, all of whom rank within the top 100 globally. Puig, a rising talent from Spain, has been particularly impressive on the Asian Tour, boasting an impressive record of top-10 finishes.

While LIV Golf will be represented by 16 players this year, British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen declined his invitation due to prior commitments. Notably, defending champion Brooks Koepka leads the charge for the LIV contingent, aiming for his fourth PGA Championship title.

Not limited to established pros, the PGA Championship also welcomes deserving players from various tours worldwide. Tim Widing of Sweden and Kazuma Kobori, a young talent hailing from Japan and now representing New Zealand, are among the diverse additions to this year’s field.

Additionally, the roster features 21 club professionals, with Michael Block securing his spot through impressive performance last year. The PGA is also keeping two spots open, allowing for potential qualifiers from the Wells Fargo Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic.

As anticipation builds for this year’s PGA Championship, the stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of talent and competition at Valhalla.