The 2025 PGA Championship field at Quail Hollow Club is officially locked in, and two struggling stars just made the cut—barely. Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson, both former top contenders now battling form and rankings, received special invitations to compete in this year’s major.
The PGA of America unveiled the full field on Tuesday, and two notable LIV Golf names also earned surprise invites. Tom McKibbin and David Puig. Like fellow LIV member Joaquin Niemann, they received exemptions despite not meeting the typical qualification criteria, due to limited opportunities to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points on the LIV circuit.
Dustin Johnson: A Falling Star Still Getting a PGA Shot
Dustin Johnson, a two-time major winner and former world No. 1, has fallen dramatically to 751st in the OWGR. His 2020 Masters win had previously kept him exempt, but that grace period has expired. With only two top-10 finishes in majors since moving to LIV Golf in 2022, Johnson’s invite is a nod to his past, not current form.
Rickie Fowler: Slipping, But Still Showing Up
Rickie Fowler, once a fan favorite and Ryder Cup hero, has seen his ranking tumble to 125th in the world. Typically, Ryder Cup participants get automatic invites if they stay within the top 100. Fowler just missed that mark. But was given a spot ahead of 13 higher-ranked players.
He hasn’t missed a PGA Championship since 2010 and previously received an invite while ranked as low as 146th in 2022. Interestingly, Fowler’s first PGA Tour win came at Quail Hollow in 2012, giving him a sentimental edge at this year’s event.
Along with McKibbin, Puig, Fowler, and Johnson, the final two spots in the field will go to winners of this week’s Truist Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic. If those players aren’t already exempt. Notably absent from the 2025 lineup are Tiger Woods and John Daly. Woods continues recovering from Achilles surgery.
The 2025 PGA Championship promises big names, major stakes, and possibly a last stand for struggling legends. Whether you’re a lifelong PGA Tour fan or new to following professional golf. This tournament should deliver high drama from start to finish.
The 2025 field includes 14 past champions, but Tiger Woods and John Daly are not among them. Woods is still recovering from an Achilles tendon surgery.
With big names, late drama, and an iconic venue in Charlotte, N.C., the 2025 PGA Championship is shaping up to be a compelling watch. Even for players hanging on by a thread.
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