Tour pro blasts ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

The PGA Championship has announced the field for its 106th edition.

As many as 15 LIV golfers will be in the field at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky after six players from the Saudi-funded league were extended invitations.

Talor Gooch was among the list which included Patrick Reed, Dean Burmester, Lucas Herbert, Adrian Meronk and David Puig.

Meanwhile, South African Louis Oosthuizen was offered a berth in the field but reportedly turned down the offer due to personal commitments.

Despite Oostuizen’s absence, it has left a field led by last year’s champion Brooks Koepka that includes 16 PGA Champions and 33 major winners.

But still, it’s not all right.

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That is according to one tour pro who questioned why there are never any “real” qualifications for the championship, whilst admitting it’s unfair that several players have missed out.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Korn Ferry Tour winner and current PGA Tour member Dylan Wu grumbled at the championship field leaving out the likes of Chan Kim.

He wrote: “Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship?

“You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others.

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“Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH.”

The 27-year-old, who has made 12 starts on the PGA Tour, is yet to make his debut in the PGA Championship.

Ranked as the world No. 154, Wu took one final barb at how the PGA of America brandishes invitations to the second major of the year, claiming a ‘correct system’ should be implemented.

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not.”

The first round of the PGA Championship gets underway next Thursday, May 16.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.