Dustin Johnson, a two-time major winner, has received a special invitation to compete in next week's PGA Championship. The tournament is scheduled for May 15-18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Johnson's automatic entry into the PGA Championship field had expired. Winners of the Masters receive a five-year exemption, and Johnson's victory came in 2020.
The PGA of America, which organizes the major, reserves the right to invite players who do not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria. Johnson's status on LIV Golf, where events do not currently receive Official World Golf Ranking points, has impacted his standing for traditional tour exemptions.
Reports surfaced earlier that Johnson had reportedly been handed a special invitation for the event. He had previously maintained a streak of not missing a major since 2017, which was in jeopardy before the invitation was confirmed.
Johnson's form has reportedly seen struggles recently. He failed to make the cut at the Masters earlier this year, marking an early exit from the first major of the season.
The decision to extend an invitation drew mixed reactions among some golf fans online. Johnson's recent results on the LIV Golf tour include finishes outside the top five.
Sources also indicate that LIV player David Puig has been granted an exemption into the field. This suggests an effort to include players from the Saudi-backed league in the year's second major championship.
Other notable players expected to compete at Quail Hollow include Rory McIlroy, who recently won the Masters, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland is set to make his debut in the tournament, joining fellow countrymen McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, and Padraig Harrington in the field.
Despite recent results, Johnson stated his game is not far off. He reflected on a past round, suggesting that a few putts dropping could change the outcome significantly.
