Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson has been granted a special invitation to compete in the 2025 PGA Championship, scheduled for May 15–18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The PGA of America extended this invitation to Johnson, a member of the LIV Golf League, after his exemption from his 2020 Masters victory expired.
Johnson’s Major Championship Legacy
Johnson, 40, boasts an impressive major championship record, having won the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters. He has also finished as runner-up at the PGA Championship in both 2019 and 2020. Despite recent challenges, including a missed cut at the 2025 Masters, Johnson remains a formidable presence in major tournaments.
Inclusion of LIV Golf Players
The PGA Championship field will feature 16 players from the LIV Golf League, including notable names such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Cameron Smith, and Joaquin Niemann. The PGA of America has maintained a policy of inviting deserving players from various tours to ensure a competitive field.
Johnson’s Recent Performance
Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Johnson has secured three titles and, in the current season, has achieved two top-10 finishes in seven events. While his world ranking has declined due to the LIV Golf League’s lack of Official World Golf Ranking points, Johnson remains optimistic about his game. “The game is really close to where it was when I was playing my best,” he stated, expressing hope for a strong performance at Quail Hollow.
Anticipation for the 2025 PGA Championship
The 2025 PGA Championship promises to be a compelling event, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Defending champion Xander Schauffele, world number one Scottie Scheffler, and recent Masters winner Rory McIlroy are among the top contenders. The inclusion of LIV Golf players adds an additional layer of intrigue to the tournament.
As the golf world converges on Quail Hollow, all eyes will be on Dustin Johnson to see if he can leverage this special invitation into a memorable performance and potentially secure his third major championship title.