The 2026 PGA Championship begins this week at Aronimink Golf Club without several high-profile players, including five-time winner Tiger Woods and two-time champion Phil Mickelson. Woods, 50, is taking a break from golf after also missing the Masters last month. Mickelson withdrew due to a personal health matter involving his family, according to organisers, and has played only one event this season.
Other notable absentees include Sergio Garcia, who has missed the tournament three times in the last four years and is ranked 184th in the world. Tony Finau, currently the fifth alternate, saw his streak of 33 consecutive major appearances end at the Masters; he is ranked 117th. Will Zalatoris, ranked 334th, has been hampered by injuries and has played just four tournaments this season.
LIV Golf players Carlos Ortiz (ranked 172nd), Louis Oosthuizen (351st), and Talor Gooch (992nd) also miss out. Tom Kim's run of four consecutive PGA Championship appearances ends as he slips to 142nd in the world. Anthony Kim was not granted an invitation for his first major in 15 years. Lucas Herbert (89th) and Ian Poulter, who last played a major in 2022, are also absent.
Despite the missing stars, the tournament boasts a field of 156 players, the largest among the four majors, and includes 11 LIV Golf competitors. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner, headline the event.
