The 2026 PGA Championship, live on Sky Sports next week, will feature a mixed field of PGA Tour and DP World Tour regulars alongside several players from the troubled LIV Golf circuit. The inclusion of prominent LIV names comes as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will end funding for LIV at the end of the 2026 season, casting doubt over many players’ futures.
LIV representation and notable names
Among the LIV-affiliated entrants are Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. Dustin Johnson has received a special exemption from the PGA of America despite his world ranking dropping to No. 468. Other LIV figures in the field include recent major winner Cam Smith, 2025 Ryder Cup selection Tyrrell Hatton, Elvis Smylie, David Puig, Tom McKibbin, first-year Thomas Detry, Martin Kaymer and Joaquin Niemann — the latter having qualified by finishing inside the top 15 last year.
Withdrawals and replacements
Phil Mickelson, the 2021 PGA champion, has withdrawn for personal reasons and will be replaced by Max Homa. Tiger Woods, though eligible, is recovering in Switzerland after a March car crash and related legal matters; he will not play and is unlikely to compete at the US Open or US Senior Open in the near future.
Field status and remaining places
The confirmed field stands at 154 players. Two additional places remain conditional on the winners of the Myrtle Beach Classic and the Truist Championship, events immediately preceding the PGA Championship. The Myrtle Beach Classic — featuring Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry and Rasmus Højgaard — would only hand over an extra PGA spot if its winner is not already qualified. The Truist Championship, marking Rory McIlroy’s return to competition after his Masters victory, offers the same conditional place. Sky Sports will broadcast the Truist Championship live from May 7–10.
Top contenders and form
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is among the favorites as he seeks to retain his title, arriving in strong form with multiple recent top-two finishes and a win at the RBC Heritage. Rory McIlroy, coming off a second consecutive Masters win, is another leading contender and has spoken openly about renewed motivation to chase further major success. Pre-tournament attention is focused largely on Scheffler and McIlroy.
PGA discretion and impact of PIF decision
The PGA of America exercised discretion in inviting several LIV players and promising younger talents to compete, with Dustin Johnson’s exemption drawing particular notice given his low ranking. The PIF decision to end LIV funding at the end of 2026 is likely to affect many LIV players’ longer-term access to PGA Tour and DP World Tour events and has added an extra layer of uncertainty around the contingent.
Broadcast information
UK viewers can watch coverage of the PGA Championship and the lead-up events on Sky Sports and Sky Sports Golf.
Summary
The 2026 PGA Championship blends established PGA and DP World Tour stars with a notable group of LIV players whose futures are in flux after the PIF announcement. With two final spots to be decided by winners at the Myrtle Beach Classic and the Truist Championship, the field is set for a tournament that mixes top-level competition and off-course controversy.