Okay, golf community, the time has come! The 2026 PGA Championship is knocking, and the official field of competitors has been set – announced on Tuesday. Particularly exciting: twelve LIV Golf stars have secured their spot. Among them are some of our hottest newcomers, proving that the youth on the course are not to be underestimated.
LIV League's Youth Infusion
Leading the charge are the youngsters Elvis Smylie (24), David Puig (24), and Tom McKibbin (23) – these guys are in! These three, along with Thomas Detry, who is playing his first season with LIV Golf, and two-time Major winner Dustin Johnson, received special exemptions for the second major of the season, which will be held at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia.
McKibbin, currently world No. 100, is already celebrating his sixth Major appearance and his second consecutive PGA Championship. He made his Masters debut last month. “It’s pretty cool,” said the Northern Irishman, who is part of the Legion XIII lineup with Rahm and Hatton. “I played last year as well, and I think it’s pretty good to make it two years in a row, even though there weren't many world ranking points, and to stay around the 100 mark. I think the consistency of my game has been good to qualify for some of these events. It’s always nice to be able to play another Major. Those are definitely the events you want to play, and every time you can tick one off, it’s a great learning experience. I leave every time feeling like I’ve learned more and more about my game and what I need to improve for the future.”
Smylie, who claimed victory at LIV Golf Riyadh in February 2026, and Puig, who finished solo second at the last LIV Golf tournament in Mexico City in 2026, are shaking up the league and are both in the top 6 of the season standings. And let's not forget Thomas Detry (33), also new to LIV Golf this season, who ranks third in season points with three top-5 finishes in the last four tournaments. He is making his 14th Major appearance and his fifth at the PGA Championship. His best Major performance was a T4 two years ago at the PGA in Valhalla.
The Veterans and Other Stars
Besides the youngsters, the heavyweights are, of course, also in the field. Dustin Johnson, who received a special exemption that keeps his incredible streak of 69 consecutive Major appearances alive. What an achievement! He has six top-10 finishes at the PGA Championship, including two runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2020. Also joining are Phil Mickelson, who made history in 2021 as the oldest Major winner at 50, Martin Kaymer, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Tyrrell Hatton (qualified through his 2025 Ryder Cup appearance), and Joaquin Niemann (Top 15 at the 2025 PGA Championship). For Mickelson, it remains to be seen if he will truly tee off.
