PGA Championship Offers Invitations to Several Big-Name Stars

The PGA Championship has offered several special invitations to big-name stars who did not qualify for the second Major of the year through other routes.

There have been a handful of players who have either dropped out of automatic exemptions to play in the PGA Championship or have hit a cold streak in their golf games over the past few years. Either way, the tournament felt it necessary to extend offers to a couple of names that many will recognize.

Here’s who will be at Quail Hollow next weekend playing in the PGA Championship due to those invitations:

Dustin Johnson

DJ’s automatic exemption from his Masters win in 2020 has expired, and he is far outside of the OWGR ranking that would automatically qualify him for the Championship.

However, the PGA of America has extended an offer to DJ, making him perhaps the biggest name to receive an invite to this year’s tournament at Quail Hollow.

2 time major winner Dustin Johnson has received an invitation to the PGA Championship next week at Quail Hollow. This continues his streak of playing in every major since the 2017 Masters. @DJohnsonPGA @4AcesGC_ pic.twitter.com/elxSgrBxB3

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) May 6, 2025

With LIV Golf potentially earning the right to grab points in the OWGR after recent talks between the two organizations have intensified, DJ might not have to wait for these special invitations any longer.

Rickie Fowler

Fowler has felt a few down seasons in recent memory before finally picking up a win at the Rocket Mortgage in 2023. This qualified him for all four Majors last year, but a down 2024 continued his need for an exemption into the four biggest tournaments of the year.

Fowler did not play in The Masters this year, so this will be the first Major he plays in 2025.

🚨☢️✅ JUST IN: Rickie Fowler listed in official 2025 PGA Championship field list at Quail Hollow. @RickieLegion pic.twitter.com/l4YdQ9ahqK

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 6, 2025

Fowler was in a tight race with Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in 2014. McIlroy ended up winning.

Will Zalatoris

Zalatoris has been dealing with several ailments in recent years, especially his back, which has suffered due to his explosive swing with tons of side bend. He has undergone several surgeries and plenty of rehab in hopes of getting back to form. 

Early in his career, Zalatoris looked to be a sure thing for a Major, finishing in at least a tie for 2nd at The Masters, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open. His best finish at The Open Championship is T28.

Cover Image via Quail Hollow Club