Why LIV Golfers are walking into their biggest opportunity of 2026 at the PGA Championship

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It has been a disastrous few weeks for LIV Golf.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund is withdrawing support for the league for next season, and its players are eyeing the exit door. Bryson DeChambeau was spotted speaking with PGA Tour officials at The Masters about a potential return. 

And at The Masters, LIV players performed disastrously. Only one, Tyrrell Hatton, ranked in the top 30 players at the tournament, and DeChambeau missed the cut with a triple bogey on the final hole. 

Now it’s time for the PGA Championship, and it presents the best chance for LIV players at a major this season. 

PGA Championship the best chance LIV players have to win a major in 2026

The PGA Championship at Aronimink might be the only real chance LIV players have to win a major championship this year, and there are a number of reasons for that.

Firstly, LIV Louisiana has been postponed, leaving a nearly two-month gap in the middle of the major season. 

There will be no LIV events played between the US Open and The Open Championship, and with LIV having played last week, this is the most battle-tested we will see LIV players ahead of a major this year.

LIV players have looked totally unprepared for the major championship test in the last couple of seasons. They play on far easier golf courses than the ones we see at majors, evidenced by Lucas Herbert’s 24-under par win at LIV Virginia last week.

Traditionally, the PGA Championship plays the easiest of all the majors, and it’s certainly easier than the US Open, so they will be less disadvantaged by this at Aronimink rather than Shinnecock and Royal Birkdale for the final two majors of the year.

Plus, Aronimink suits their two biggest stars really well.

Aronimink suits Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm’s games

Aronimink Golf Club, the site of the PGA Championship, is a Donald Ross masterpiece that has been lengthened and toughened to challenge the modern power game. Spanning over 7,200 yards as a par 70, the course presents a strategic playground that perfectly complements the aggressive styles of DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.

For DeChambeau, Aronimink’s recent restoration widened several fairways while restoring over 170 clustered bunkers. Bryson’s long drive style allows him to fly many of these hazards, turning daunting 450-yard par fours into wedge-play opportunities.

His ability to generate high launch angles is critical on holes like the uphill first, where clearing the valley and holding the elevated green requires immense carry.

Meanwhile, Rahm excels on layouts that demand elite long-iron play. Aronimink is a second-shot course on the back nine, with large, segmented greens that penalize anyone on the wrong tier.

Rahm’s lower-trajectory power fade is a weapon on the long par threes, like the 230-yard 17th. His physical strength is also a major asset when navigating the thick Philadelphia rough, ensuring he can still reach the surface when he misses the short grass.

Especially considering DeChambeau’s struggles at The Open Championship in recent years, this is likely his last best shot at a major this year.