Dustin Johnson will be competing at the PGA Championship this weekend. He received a surprise invitation to this year’s event.
The two-time major champion and prominent LIV Golf signing was one of 33 special invitees. Johnson was the second-lowest-ranked player in the field, besides the 20 PGA of America club professionals and Luke Donald.
Johnson’s Current Form and PGA Performance
Johnson’s game has declined over the past two years. His par-70 effort on Friday was a welcome result. It secured his place to play through the weekend.
He hit just four of 14 fairways on Friday. He ranks 106th in the field in strokes-gained off the tee. His par-70 included three birdies and three bogeys, following an opening-round 72, placing him at 142, 2 over par.
The invite keeps his major streak alive dating to the 2017 Masters. He withdrew from that event on the first day due to injury.
Future with LIV Golf Uncertain
When asked about next year, amidst speculation that the Public Investment Fund will no longer subsidize LIV Golf League beyond 2026, Johnson expressed confidence in LIV CEO Scott O’Neil.
“I think Scott’s doing a good job,” Johnson said. “I think your guess is as good as mine with what happens next year.”
Johnson, now 41, seems unfazed by the uncertainty. He conveys an attitude that suggests he will adapt to whatever happens.
Driving Issues Impacting Johnson’s Game
Johnson says his ability to drive the ball has been holding him back.
“I’m happy with my game, honestly,” he said. “Not very thrilled with my driver. Everything else feels really good. I’m rolling it well, short game is good and obviously it’s difficult around these greens. It’s hard to judge the last few shots I hit, seemed really nice and that I hit better shots than where they ended up.
“But it’s just tough. Everybody’s dealing with it. The wind will be blowing and then all of a sudden all the way down a little bit, and that’s the difference 10 or 15 yards out here and that’s a big deal.”
- Johnson had 24 PGA Tour victories.
- He secured three LIV victories in his first three years with the league.
- His best finish this year on LIV Golf is a tie for 10th in Singapore.
Johnson’s original LIV deal concludes at the end of 2025. He and the league announced a “multi-year” extension in January.
The former world No. 1, now ranked 471st, held a 12–9 record across five Ryder Cups and is exempt for next month’s U.S. Open.
Johnson wrote a letter to the PGA of America requesting the invite. He did the same last year.