GOLF.com: DJ Gets Special Invite to 2026 PGA Championship as Tiger and Phil Step Aside

Overview

The 2026 PGA Championship field, set to begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia, includes a notable special exemption: Dustin Johnson. Meanwhile, two of the sport's biggest names — Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson — will not be in attendance.

Johnson's Special Invite

Once a perennial top-10 in the world and a two-time major winner, Johnson has seen his ranking slide to No. 468 since joining LIV Golf in 2022. His automatic exemptions into the PGA Championship have lapsed, and his 10-year U.S. Open exemption from his 2016 title expires after this season. His 2020 Masters title still guarantees Augusta each April.

The PGA of America extended Johnson a special invitation alongside Keith Mitchell, Billy Horschel, Andy Sullivan, Angel Ayora, and Chandler Blanchet. Johnson welcomed the news: "I feel like my game is still good enough to compete with everyone and still can win."

Tiger and Phil Out

Phil Mickelson, the 2021 PGA champion who made history as the oldest major winner at 50, withdrew citing a family health matter — the same reason he missed the 2026 Masters and all LIV events this season. Max Homa takes his spot.

Tiger Woods stepped away from competitive golf following a car crash and DUI charge in late March, stating he needed time to "seek treatment" with no return timeline given.

Strokeslab Perspective

Johnson's exemption highlights a growing tension: elite ball-striking ability (his SG: Off the Tee has historically ranked among the tour's best) no longer translates into world ranking eligibility under the current LIV structure. This won't be the last time the majors face pressure to navigate this gap.