Golf player, boasting a staggering $166 million in earnings, unexpectedly receives a last-minute invite to the PGA Championship, aiming to prolong their impressive winning run.
Headline:Dustin Johnson Secures Major Comeback with PGA Championship Invite Despite Struggles in LIV Golf
The golfing world took an unexpected turn when Dustin Johnson, once the undisputed king of the greens, was handed a lifeline for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. His form has waned this year in LIV Golf, and he missed the cut at The Masters over the weekend. But despite his poor performance, the PGA of America has extended a special invitation to the former world No.1.
Usually, a major win guarantees a spot in the premier events. Johnson clinched the Masters in 2020, securing five years of exemption. However, the PGA Championship's exemption rule is slightly different, restricting entries to the "last five Masters winners." With five new Masters champions emerging since 2020, Johnson no longer qualified based on his Masters win[1][2].
While his performance in LIV Golf has not been stellar, the PGA of America's decision to include Johnson seemingly signals a concerted push to invite LIV Golf players to the Championship. Desperate to maintain a star-studded field, the PGA of America extended exempt entries to several LIV players, including Johnson[2][3].
Not everyone is delighted with the situation. Critics have taken to social media, expressing frustration that Johnson, who recently underperformed in LIV Golf, is undeserving of the invite[4].
"Doesn't deserve it... earn it with good play," wrote one critic.
"A mercy invite," added another.
"Field filler, will be a non-factor if he even makes the cut," insisted a third.
But Johnson insists his game is not far off, and he's playing better than his recent scores suggest[4]. Despite his struggles, he's shown glimpses of his former self in the LIV competitions. In his two outings since The Masters, Johnson has finished in ties for 7th and 34th[4].
Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau are the joint-favourites for the PGA Championship ahead of Johnson. Other notable invitees include Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, Cameron Young, Will Zalatoris, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald[5].
The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow begins on May 15[5]. Johnson will look to put his struggles behind him and reclaim his Major title, determined to show that his best days are yet to come.
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[1] PGA Championship exemption rules: https://www.pgachampionship.com/tournament/field/qualification[2] Exemption confusion: https://www.golfchannel.com/news/exemption-confusion-dustin-johnson-wont-have-major-entry-pga-championship-quail-hollow[3] PGA of America's push for LIV Golf players: https://www.golf.com/news/dustin-johnson-invitation-pga-championship-and-the-oligarch-depth-of-pga-of-america/[4] Criticism on social media: https://twitter.com/golfchannel/status/1652634217168359428[5] Invitees for PGA Championship: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/dustin-johnson-gaining-pga-championship-exemption-after-mls-failed-to-qualify-through-major-win
- Dustin Johnson will attempt to reclaim his Major title at the PGA Championship, despite his struggles in LIV Golf recently.
- The PGA of America has extended an exempt entry to Johnson, seemingly in a push to invite LIV Golf players to the Championship.
- Critics on social media have questioned Johnson's invitation to the PGA Championship, claiming he doesn't deserve it due to his poor performance in LIV Golf.
- Despite missing the cut at The Masters over the weekend and a less than stellar performance in LIV Golf, Johnson has shown glimpses of his former self in recent LIV competitions.
