Golf fans react as Dustin Johnson is given ‘special invitation’ to play the PGA Championship
· Yahoo Sports
Dustin Johnson will be teeing off at Aronimink Golf Club for the 2026 PGA Championship this month.
The two-time major winner most recently won on the biggest stage at the 2021 Masters, but he was given a special invitation by the PGA of America to compete for the Wannamaker Trophy this year.
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Johnson is one of the best to ever play the sport, but his form since joining LIV Golf has seen him fade into irrelevance. His most recent major championship top 10 was at the 2023 US Open, and he missed the cut in three of the four majors last season.
So golf fans were divided as to whether Johnson should be playing in this year’s PGA Championship.
Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesGolf fans divided on Dustin Johnson’s PGA Championship invite
Ultimately, the PGA of America wants eyes on their event, so inviting an immensely popular two-time major champion into the fray helps them achieve that. And some fans said his elite play throughout his career makes him deserving of special treatment.
One fan posted to X: “golf is best when the best players are competing. DJ has been down of late, but I have no problem with LIV golfers returning.”
Another added, “2 time major champ deserves special treatment, I mean invitation.”
One fan was happy to see Johnson playing in the event, but questioned if he’s deserving due to his recent major record. They said, “Love to see. DJ has been nonexistent in majors the last 3-4 years though…”
That’s an opinion held by many golf fans, who think the major championship should be the best collection of talent fighting for the win, instead of a legends showcase.
One fan posted, “Wasted spot. He’s missing the cut. Better off giving the opportunity to a club pro who’s more deserving.”
Johnson is currently the world number 468, a ranking inflated by the lack of OWGR points on the LIV until this season, but still a reflection of his performances at majors.
One fan said, “Totally b—–x, never won it, is not even a top 200 player anymore, and will be taking a spot of someone who has earned it. It’s a disgrace.”
Another agreed: “Simply doesn’t deserve one. Currently ranked #125 on @DataGolf 28th on @livgolf_league.
“Has been absolutely useless in recent majors. Adds nothing to an event. His DGAF attitude is tiresome. What a total waste of an exemption.”
How you feel about this is merely a barometer of your feelings on sponsor exemptions. We want to see the best players and the biggest names at these events, but at what point does poor form rule you out of majors?
This may be the last year Johnson receives this treatment if he continues not to show any signs of life.