Best LIV Golf players in 2026 PGA Championship field? We ranked 'em all

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.

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.

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.