PGA Championship Announces Decision on LIV Golf Eligibility

The PGA of America has not decided to bar LIV Golf members from competing in the major championship.

LIV Golf members will be permitted to play in the 2023 PGA Championship, according to the PGA of America, the tournament’s governing body. 

On Wednesday, the PGA of America released its eligibility criteria for this year’s championship—which will be held at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y., from May 18-21. 

CEO Seth Waugh acknowledged the ongoing PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf divide, but reiterated that the PGA Championship’s goal is to put on a competitive tournament with an appropriately strong field.  

“Our decisions are always based on what’s in the best interest of the PGA of America and conducting the best Championship possible,” Waugh said. 

“Sadly, the current division in the professional game is not good for the sport or the future of the game. We hope there might be some resolution soon. In the meantime, as always, our focus will be on our mission to grow the game and improve the lives of our members, who work so hard to impact millions of lives every day.”

The R&A released a similar announcement on Tuesday that eligible LIV Golf members would be allowed to compete at the British Open this summer at Royal Liverpool. 

Many of LIV Golf’s members are exempt through preexisting exemption categories laid out by the PGA of America. Phil Mickelson will be exempt as a past champion, Cameron Smith as last year’s British Open winner, and Mito Pereira and Brendan Steele as top 15 finishers in last year’s PGA. 

One new exemption category for the 105th PGA Championship was added as part of Wednesday’s announcement. The top three players on the International Federation Ranking List will be invited to compete. The list is comprised of players on the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour. 

“This new category will help identify current or emerging international players who may not yet have had the opportunity to showcase their talents in the cauldron of a Major Championship setting,” Waugh said. 

The PGA Championship field will include 156 players, and the final list will be set on May 10.