Who is Playing at the PGA Championship? Full Field Guide for 2026

The countdown is officially over. Next week, the golfing world will descend upon the fairways for the 2026 PGA Championship, the second major of the season, and the broadcast is live exclusively on Sky Sports. This is not just another tournament; it is a battlefield where the fractured landscape of professional golf collides. We are talking about a field that is genuinely unprecedented. For the first time in years, the top-ranked talent from the PGA Tour, the rising stars of the DP World Tour, and the controversial, big-money rebels of LIV Golf will all be teeing it up under the same major championship banner.

Forget the politics for a moment. The question on every fan’s lips is simple: Who is actually playing? The answer is a who’s who of global talent, a mix of veterans chasing history and young guns looking to make a name. This year’s field is as deep as it is volatile. Let’s break down the key contenders, the dark horses, and the LIV Golf stars who could steal the show.

The PGA Tour Heavyweights: The Reigning Favorites

The PGA Tour contingent arrives with a chip on their shoulder. After a tumultuous 2025 season, the established stars are hungry to prove that the traditional tour still produces the best major champions. Expect the usual suspects to dominate the headlines.

• Scottie Scheffler: The world number one is an absolute machine. His ball-striking is otherworldly, and his short game has improved dramatically. If he rolls the putter well, he is nearly impossible to beat. He will be the odds-on favorite coming into the week.
• Rory McIlroy: The Northern Irishman is playing with a renewed sense of freedom. He has been vocal about the state of the game, but when the major lights shine brightest, he finds another gear. He knows how to win on tough, penal setups. Do not count him out.
• Xander Schauffele: The “Big Game Hunter” has finally added multiple major titles to his resume. He is the ultimate closer. His calm demeanor and elite iron play make him a perfect fit for the grind of a PGA Championship.
• Collin Morikawa: A two-time major winner already, Morikawa’s precision is his superpower. If the course is firm and fast, his ability to control trajectory gives him a massive edge over the field.

Expert Analysis: The PGA Tour players have the advantage of recent competitive reps. They are used to the pressure of the FedExCup points and the intensity of the regular season. However, the mental toll of the ongoing civil war in golf cannot be ignored. Some players thrive on the chaos; others wilt.

The LIV Golf Invaders: Can They Legitimize the Breakaway?

This is the storyline that will dominate the broadcasts on Sky Sports. The LIV Golf players have been criticized for playing a “soft” schedule with 54-hole events and no cuts. The PGA Championship is their ultimate test. They get 72 holes. They get a cut line. They get the chance to silence their critics.

Here are the LIV players who pose the biggest threat:

• Bryson DeChambeau: The 2024 US Open champion is a completely different player now. He has the power to overpower any course, but he has also developed a delicate touch around the greens. He loves being the villain turned hero. Expect massive crowds following his every move.
• Brooks Koepka: The man who owns the PGA Championship. He has won this event three times. He does not care about the format or the tour; he cares about major trophies. Koepka’s ability to flip a switch for four rounds is legendary. He is the scariest player in the field for a reason.
• Jon Rahm: The Spanish bull has been inconsistent since his big-money move, but his talent is undeniable. He hits the ball miles high and has a short game that can save par from anywhere. If his driver behaves, he is a top-5 lock.
• Cameron Smith: The Aussie has the best short game in the world. He can shoot 62 or 72 on any given day. On a major championship layout, his creativity and putting stroke are lethal weapons.

Expert Analysis: The biggest question mark for the LIV players is rust. They have not faced a cut line or a 72-hole grind in months. The first two rounds will be a shock to the system. However, they have the raw talent to overcome it. If one of them wins, it will be a seismic moment for the sport.

The DP World Tour Dark Horses: Europe’s Rising Tide

While the headlines grab the superstars, the DP World Tour is quietly producing a generation of fearless competitors. These players are battle-hardened from playing in wind and rain across Europe. They are not intimidated by the big names.

Keep an eye on these European contenders:

• Ludvig Åberg: The Swedish sensation is a superstar in the making. He has no weaknesses. He bombs it, he irons it, and he putts it. He has the temperament of a 10-year veteran. This could be his breakout major victory.
• Tommy Fleetwood: The Englishman is due. He has come agonizingly close in majors before. His ball-striking is world-class, and the home crowd support (even on US soil) will be electric. He is a fantastic bet for a top-10 finish.
• Matt Fitzpatrick: The 2022 US Open champion is a grinder. He does not overpower courses; he dissects them. He is one of the best iron players in the world. If the course sets up for precision over power, he is a genuine threat.
• Nicolai Højgaard: The young Dane has the power and the guts. He has already won on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. He is fearless and loves the big stage. He is a classic “sleeper” pick.

Expert Analysis: The DP World Tour players often get overlooked, but they bring a tactical edge. They are used to playing links-style golf and navigating tricky wind conditions. If the weather turns nasty, look for these names to climb the leaderboard.

Predictions: Who Lifts the Wanamaker Trophy?

After analyzing the field, the course setup, and the current form lines, it is time to make some bold predictions.

The Favorite: It is impossible to look past Scottie Scheffler. He is the most complete player in the world. He has the short game to save him on bad days and the ball-striking to dominate on good days. He will be in the final group on Sunday.

The Value Bet: Bryson DeChambeau. The odds will be inflated because of the LIV stigma, but he has proven he can win a major against a full field. He is mentally strong and physically dominant.

The Long Shot: Nicolai Højgaard. At 50-1 or higher, he offers incredible value. He has the power to handle a long major course and the nerve to close. He will be a top-10 player in the world within two years.

My Official Prediction: This is a toss-up between the old guard and the new. I see Rory McIlroy finally breaking his major drought. He is playing with a fire we have not seen in years. He has the crowd support, the distance, and the experience. He wins his fifth major by two shots over DeChambeau and Scheffler.

Conclusion: A Major for the Ages

The 2026 PGA Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it is a referendum on the state of the professional game. Will the PGA Tour stars reassert their dominance? Will the LIV Golf invaders prove they can still compete at the highest level? Or will a young DP World Tour star steal the crown?

One thing is certain: the drama will be unparalleled. The course will be tough. The crowds will be loud. And the leaderboard will be packed with the biggest names in the sport. Make sure you are tuned into Sky Sports next week. Do not miss a single shot. This is the major that will define the season, and it starts now.

Source: Based on news from Sky Sports.

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