How to qualify for the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2024
Ever wondered how players qualify for the PGA Championship? We have put together a guide detailing every way a golfer can find their way into the field
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?
The PGA Championship is the second major tournament of 2024. Scottie Scheffler won the Masters (shock) and he is the hot favourite to win at Valhalla this year, which would take his major tally to three.
There are several ways in which players can qualify for the PGA Championship. Below we have 14 criteria that allow access, all you need to do is meet one of them.
From winning on the senior tour to qualifying via the PGA Professionals Championship, this tournament offers many routes to allow a wide variety of competitors a path to glory.
Here is how to qualify for the 2024 PGA Championship…
ALSO: Which LIV Golfers have qualified for the PGA Championship?
ALSO: Where is the next PGA Championship?
PGA Championship qualifying: Everything you need to know is here…
1. Win the PGA Championship
Any player to have won a PGA Championship will receive a 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 three on the International Federation Official World Golf Ranking list
Players in the top three in the International Federation Official World Golf Ranking list by April 29 will qualify for the PGA Championship.
7. Win the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
Last year’s winner of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will earn a spot to play at the PGA Championship.
8. 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.
9. Finish in the top 20 at the 2024 PGA Professional 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.
10. Rack up as many points as possible
The top 70 players who have earned the most PGA Championship points from the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge to the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson will receive an invite to play in the tournament.
11. Play in the most recent Ryder Cup
All playing members of the USA and European Ryder Cup teams in 2023 will receive an invite to play in the PGA Championship.
12. Win a PGA Tour event
All winners on the PGA Tour, including co-sponsored events, from the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge through the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic (the week ending May 12).
13. 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.
14. Hope the field isn’t full
If the 156 places have not been filled, the remaining gaps will be filled 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.
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Henrik Stenson, to name just a few.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
