Full Breakdown
2026 PGA Championship Field: Woods and Mickelson Absent, Johnson Returns via Special Invite
5/6/2026, 3:34:52 AM
Field Announcement and Composition
The PGA of America announced a 154-player field for the 2026 PGA Championship, set for May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia. Tiger Woods is absent while in a Swiss treatment program after a March DUI arrest; Phil Mickelson withdrew for a family health issue. Former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson received a special invitation, extending his streak to 69 consecutive majors. The roster includes the top 70 from the PGA points list, the top 100 in world ranking, 33 special invitations, 20 PGA teaching professionals and 15 past PGA champions. Two spots are reserved for this week’s Truist Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic winners. Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Canada is first alternate, and Max Homa, tied for ninth at the 2026 Masters, replaces Mickelson.
Official Statements & Criticism
The PGA of America said the field balances top-ranked players, past champions and teaching professionals while reserving two spots for this week’s winners. It noted that special invitations go to players “who have demonstrated a sustained level of competitive performance.” USGA CEO Mike Whan said he would be “super surprised” if Woods were ready for the U.S. Open in June. Analysts have called the selection process “the least transparent” and questioned the criteria for the 33 special invitations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm definitely very excited to play,” Johnson said. “The PGA of America, we’ve got a great relationship. I’ve supported them for a long time. I’m very, very thankful that they gave me an invite. And very honored.” — Dustin Johnson, professional golfer (Reuters)
- “I want to play in all the majors. I feel like my game is still good enough to compete with everyone and still can win. The PGA was nice enough to give me an invitation. So yeah, I'm very, very happy and thankful for that.” — Dustin Johnson, speaking from LIV Golf Virginia (US News)
- “Obviously, I’ve played really well for a very long time. I went through a little slump there for about a year where I wasn’t driving it great, but the game’s starting to come around. I’ve been playing better the last six months or so. Driving is the biggest part of my game and it’s coming back. Now I’m able to focus on my short game, putting, and wedges again like when I was playing my best. The putter’s been huge — it gives you confidence throughout the whole bag.” — Dustin Johnson (LIV Golf)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
US News and Reuters list 154 players; USA Today cites 156, a discrepancy. The exact criteria for the 33 special invitations remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
The Truist Championship and Myrtle Beach Classic will finish this week, determining if their winners claim the two remaining spots. Johnson’s performance will be watched as he seeks a third major, with Woods and Mickelson absent.
