Of the 11 LIV Golf players competing in the 2026 PGA Championship, only one has hoisted a Wanamaker Trophy before.
The year’s second major championship sees one more LIV player than was at the Masters. Some of those playing for LIV come to Aronimink in good form. All of them have competed in the major at least once.
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Phil Mickelson, a two-time PGA champion, withdrew from his second straight major due to a family health matter. That means there are five fewer LIV golfers in the field as compared to 2025.
Let’s rank the LIV Golf players coming into the PGA Championship, from those least likely to contend to those with a great chance to win.
PGA Championship 2026 LIV Golf power rankings
11. Martin Kaymer
The lone PGA champ of the group, Kaymer has missed five of the past six cuts in the championship and only made the weekend five times since winning in 2010.
10. Dustin Johnson
DJ almost won the PGA in 2010. He also finished runner-up in 2019 and 2020. But he has missed the cut in three of his past five starts at the PGA.
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9. Tom McKibbin
Another golfer who seems too low. Had his best finish in Mexico City with a T-5 but has been a middle-of-the-pack golfer in 2026 otherwise.
8. Elvis Smylie
Smylie feels too low at No. 8. He’s sixth in LIV’s season-long standings and won the season opener but has struggled since.
7. Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith is far from his 2022 self, but he shows plenty of glimpses that his talent is still there. Can he put it together on one of golf’s biggest stages?
6. Joaquin Niemann
Niemann recorded his best major finish last year at the PGA with a T-8. His form hasn’t been incredible in 2026, but Niemann has the talent to put together four good rounds.
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5. David Puig
The youngster is getting more and more experience in golf’s biggest events. It seems like he’s due for a big week at a major.
4. Thomas Detry
Detry is quietly having a strong season on LIV Golf. He’s fourth in the season-long standings and could be a surprise player to contend this week.
3. Tyrrell Hatton
Now we’re getting to the heavy hitters. Hatton can win at Aronimink if he gets hot with the flat stick. And keeps a good attitude.
2. Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau’s last three finishes at the PGA? T-4, 2, T-2. Expect him to once again be around the leaderboard, though his wedges will be tested this week.
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1. Jon Rahm
Rahm seems primed to compete in another major. It has been too long since he was truly in contention at a major, even after his brief stint near the top of the leaderboard last year at Quail Hollow. Can Rahmbo be the first Spaniard to win the Wanamaker?
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: PGA Championship 2026: Ranking best LIV Golf players at Aronimink
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