How do you qualify for the PGA Championship?

As you would expect from a major, it is a stellar field featuring all of the game’s big guns and in-form players – but how do you qualify for the PGA Championship?

As always, we’ve got all the answers for you…

How do you qualify for the PGA Championship? The criteria

There are 12 different ways that a player can qualify for the PGA Championship. In order to secure a spot in the season’s second major, golfers must meet at least one of the following criteria. (Of course they may meet more than one, but that will not affect things.)

1. Win the PGA Championship

Any player to have won a PGA Championship will receive lifetime exemption to the tournament.

2. Win the Masters

All Masters champions from the previous five years will receive an invite to play at the PGA Championship.

3. Win the US Open

All US Open champions from the previous five years will receive an invite to play at the PGA Championship.

4. Win the Open

All Open champions from the previous five years will receive an invite to play at the PGA Championship.

5. Win the Players Championship

All Players champions from the previous three years will receive an invite to play at the PGA Championship.

6. Finish in the top 15 players at the PGA Championship

The top 15 players at the PGA Championship will receive an invite to play in the following year’s tournament.

7. Finish in the top 20 at the PGA Professionals Championship

The PGA Professionals Championship is an event for club professionals and teachers. To play in the tournament the player must be a member of the PGA of America, and all those in the top 20 will receive an invite to play in the following year’s tournament.

8. Rack up as many points as possible

The top 70 players who have earned the most PGA Championship points will receive an invite to play in the tournament.

9. Play in the most recent Ryder Cup

All playing members of the USA and European Ryder Cup teams will receive an invite to play in the next edition.

10. Win a PGA Tour event

All winners on the PGA Tour, including co-sponsored events, since the last PGA Championship will receive an invite to play in the tournament.

11. Receive an invite from the PGA of America

Those who do not meet any of the above criteria could still find themselves playing. The PGA of America has the right to invite any players if they see fit.

12. Hope the field isn’t full

If the 156 places have not been filled, the remaining gaps will be filed with the players sitting outside of the top 70 on the PGA Championship points list. Remaining places will be given based on the order of the rankings.

So, there you have it. No longer will you need to ask the question “how do you qualify for the PGA Championship?”