Controversial 2-Time Major Champion Receives Invite to PGA Championship
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This season's second major, the PGA Championship, is just eight days away!
Last year, Xander Schauffele edged out LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke to claim his first major title.
But this time, it's not just DeChambeau, who has been in stellar form, posing a challenge for the two-time major winner. Another controversial two-time major champion is set to make headlines.
On Tuesday, the PGA Championship unveiled its field for next week's tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. It included 16 LIV golfers. Among them is former U.S. Open and Masters winner Dustin Johnson, whose inclusion raised eyebrows.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 27: Dustin Johnson of 4Aces GC plays his shot from the 6th tee during day three of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 27, 2025...
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 27: Dustin Johnson of 4Aces GC plays his shot from the 6th tee during day three of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by) More
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Despite once being a dominant force in the golf world, Johnson's performance has notably declined since his move to LIV Golf in 2022.
His struggles are not merely reflected in his current world ranking of 751, but more so with only two top-10 finishes in LIV Golf events this season.
The 40-year-old missed the cut at Augusta National last month, marking another setback in his recent form. But Johnson's presence at the PGA Championship also conjures up his controversial past.
His alleged history with cocaine addiction led to a six-month suspension from the PGA Tour in 2014, which also kept him out of that year's PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.
Golfer Dustin Johnson is serving a 6-month suspension from PGA Tour after testing positive for cocaine, per source. (via @si_golf) — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 1, 2014
At the time, the suspension was never officially announced, but reports later surfaced that Johnson had failed a third drug test, prompting the ban.
When Johnson returned to Quail Hollow Club the following year, he failed to make the cut. His performance improved slightly in 2016, hovering around the top 15 while Justin Thomas claimed the title.
It wasn't until 2019 and 2020 that Johnson recorded his best PGA Championship finishes, coming close to victory.
Now, with a special invitation securing his place in the field, Johnson has a chance to rewrite his story. But with fellow LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson also in the mix, the competition will be fierce.
What do you think? Will the 40-year-old be able to recreate what he did in 2019-2020? Let us know in the comment section below!
More Golf: PGA Tour Pro Blasts Signature Events Despite $1M Payday: 'I hate it'
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