Full Breakdown
LIV Golf's 11 Entrants Aim to End Major Drought at the 2026 PGA Championship
5/12/2026, 12:12:00 PM
The Field at Aronimink: LIV Golf's Presence
Eleven LIV Golf members are in the 156-player field for the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia. The group includes past major champions Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and 2010 PGA champion Martin Kaymer.
Background: Two-Year Major Drought
LIV Golf’s last major win was Bryson DeChambeau’s 2024 U.S. Open victory. The league has not captured a major title since, a gap that has drawn scrutiny of its competitive relevance.
Key LIV Contenders
- Bryson DeChambeau (34, 26th OWGR) holds top-10 finishes at each major, a recent T4 at the U.S. Open, and a third-place finish in Virginia before the PGA Championship. He is recovering from a wrist injury that forced a withdrawal in Mexico City.
- Jon Rahm (31) leads LIV’s individual standings, has a T4 at Bellerive (2018) and recent T8 finishes at the 2025 PGA and U.S. Open. He won LIV Mexico City in 2025.
- Dustin Johnson received a special invite, extending a streak of 69 consecutive majors. He has six PGA Championship top-10s historically but only one recent LIV top-10.
- Martin Kaymer (2010 PGA champion) is ranked 1,160th globally and 52nd in LIV standings, with a best LIV finish of T25 in Mexico City.
Performance Data and Betting Odds
Two LIV entrants rank among the top five betting favorites. World-ranking positions span from DeChambeau’s 26th to Kaymer’s 1,160th. Recent LIV play includes multiple top-10s for DeChambeau and Rahm, and a top-10 for Johnson. DeChambeau’s recent third-place finish in Virginia and Johnson’s six PGA top-10s underscore the depth of LIV experience.
Criticism & Opposition
Sources highlight performance concerns for LIV players. Jon Rahm has missed six consecutive majors, and a LIV participant failed to make the cut at the Masters. The league’s overall major drought and limited recent success have been noted as points of criticism.
Impact and Stakes
A LIV win would deliver a “much-needed lift,” as noted by sources. Ongoing underperformance could deepen doubts about LIV’s relevance in elite golf.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Golf.com says LIV has only one past PGA champion (Kaymer) in the field, whereas Reuters lists multiple former major winners (DeChambeau, Johnson, Rahm). No official LIV statements on invitations or player health are provided.
What’s Next
After the PGA Championship, LIV players will aim for the 2026 U.S. Open, where Aronimink performance could affect qualification and world-ranking points. The outcome will shape narratives about LIV’s ability to end its major drought.
