LIV Players Can Now Compete In All Four Majors After PGA Championship Decision
The PGA of America confirmed that LIV Golf stars could compete in the PGA Championship meaning all four Majors are available to them
LIV Golf players will be allowed to compete in all four Majors this year after the PGA of America announced its criteria for entry into the 2023 PGA Championship.
Members of the Saudi-backed outfit who qualify for entry will now get the chance to challenge for the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York, from May 18-21.
There had been talk of LIV Golf stars not being allowed in, but PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh says that they want the best possible field for the event.
“Our decisions are always based on what’s in the best interest of the PGA of America and conducting the best championship possible,” said Waugh.
“Sadly the current division in the professional game is not good for the sport or the future of the game. We hope there might be some resolution soon.
“In the meantime, as always, our focus will be on our mission to grow the game and improve the lives of our members, who work so hard to impact millions of lives every day.”
With the news coming hot on the heels of the R&A announcing that LIV Golf players will not be prevented from competing in the Open Championship, it now means that players on Greg Norman’s circuit can compete in all four Majors this year.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Justin Thomas will defend the trophy he won at Southern Hills last year, with the 156-man field being set on May 10.
A post shared by PGA Championship (@pgachampionship)
A photo posted by on
Phil Mickelson, the 2021 PGA Championship winner, will return to the tournament after failing to defend the title at Southern Hills in the wake of his controversial Saudi Arabia comments – taking a sabbatical before then joining LIV Golf just weeks later.
Other past PGA Championship winners, currently with LIV Golf, Brooks Koepka and Martin Kaymer will get invites to play at Oak Hill, along with reigning Open champion Cameron Smith as well as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson courtesy of their Major wins in 2020.
Recent new signing for LIV Mito Periera and Brendan Steele will also make the field after finishing in the top 15 of last year’s PGA Championship – with Pereira holding the lead teeing off on the final hole only to collapse to finish outside of the playoff.
Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
-
Tripp Isenhour Facts: 10 Things To Know About The Golf Channel Broadcaster
Tripp Isenhour has been a Golf Channel regular since 2008 - here are 10 things to know about the former pro
By Mike Hall Published
-
Adam Sandler Hints At Jack Nicklaus Appearance In Happy Gilmore 2 Movie
The actor, who plays the protagonist in the movie, appeared on the Dan Patrick Show to explain Nicklaus’s role in the sequel
By Mike Hall Published
-
Bryson DeChambeau Confirms Long-Term Partnership With Reebok
The two-time Major winner and his LIV Golf side, Crushers GC, will wear Reebok apparel and footwear, with the brand returning to the golf sector
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LIV Golf Pair Hint At Ryder Cup-Style Match Against PGA Tour
Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have hinted that their 'Showdown' match with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler could be just a preview of a Ryder Cup style LIV Golf-PGA Tour clash in the future
By Paul Higham Published
-
Brooks And Bryson 'Would Have Put Up A Good Fight' Against Scheffler In 2024
Brooks Koepka says he and Bryson DeChambeau would have given Scottie Scheffler a "good fight" had they played on the PGA Tour
By Paul Higham Published
-
'Bryson’s A Good Dude' - Brooks Koepka Admits He Was Wrong About Rival DeChambeau
Brooks Koepka admits he had the wrong impression of Bryson DeChambeau and is now seemingly a big fan of his long-time rival
By Paul Higham Published
-
The Equipment Change That Gained Justin Thomas 10 Yards At Hero World Challenge
Justin Thomas produced a fine performance in the Bahamas partly down to a change of driver shaft that resulted in added distance off the tee
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Hero World Challenge Final Round Tee Times
Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas will go out together in round four of the Hero World Challenge, with the latter holding a one-stroke lead...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Smith Blames Protege Smylie As 'Common Denominator' In Latest Slow Play Warning
Cameron Smith saw his second round crumble at the Australian Open after being put on the clock - which he appeared to partially blame on his young protege Elvis Smylie
By Paul Higham Published
-
'That's A Bull**** Excuse' - Cameron Smith Sounds Off Over 'Disappointing' Course Conditions At Australian Open
The LIV player aired his frustration over soft and slow conditions at both Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club and refused to accept recent heavy rain was primarily responsible
By Jonny Leighfield Published