published: May 12, 2026

Which LIV players are in the PGA Championship?

There is a healthy group of former major champions and special invites from the LIV Golf League that are eligible for the 2026 PGA Championship

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - MAY 11: Cameron Smith smiles during the PGA Championship Practice Round at Aronimink Golf Club on Monday, May 11, 2026 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America)

Golf’s four major championships are the only occasions where fans can watch PGA Tour and DP World Tour players compete with those who left for the LIV Golf League.

Several past major champions have joined the Saudi-funded league since its inception in June 2022, and their successes allow them to compete in the sport’s big four events.

LIV’s 57-man roster can now ascend the world rankings following the league’s OWGR application acceptance, which now provides a huge benefit for those who would like to qualify for the majors.

Players can also get in the field through special invitations, which are at the discretion of the PGA of America. In 2026, Thomas Detry, Dustin Johnson, Tom McKibbin, David Puig and Elvis Smylie have all been granted that privilege.

But the likes of Phil Mickelson and Martin Kaymer can sleep soundly knowing they can play in this event for as long as they like, as previous winners of the Wanamaker Trophy. However this year, Mickelson isn’t playing as he continues to address a personal health issue off the course.

Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed would have also been on this list at one stage, but they both left the LIV tour at the start of this season to forge paths back to the PGA Tour.

You can read about how to qualify for the PGA Championship here. In 2025, The Open and the US Open made a specific category for LIV players to qualify for the first time. The PGA Championship and the Masters have not, yet, as these tournaments have the power to invite who they like to play anyway.

**Jon Rahm after the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec | Source: Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf**

ALSO: See the full field of the 2026 PGA Championship here

ALSO: What is the PGA Championship playoff format?

ALSO: Which LIV players can play in the other three majors?

LIV players at the PGA Championship

Martin Kaymer

Joaquin Niemann

Elvis Smylie

David Puig

Tom McKibbin

Thomas Detry

NOW READ: Everything you need to know about the PGA Championship

NOW READ: PGA Championship winners: Who owns the Wanamaker trophy?

NOW READ: A look into the history of the PGA Championship

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About the author

Matt Chivers

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 Masters, The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to many of the biggest names in the sport.

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: Cleveland HiBore XL Driver driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, Benross BR-Pro irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.

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