Can an amateur play in the PGA Championship? Why ams aren't in the PGA field
Can an amateur play in the PGA Championship? Technically, yes, but it's highly unlikely.
The PGA of America sets the field for the PGA Championship, and it is the only men's major where the top amateurs in the world don't get invited, unlike the U.S. Open or Open Championship, where amateurs can qualify, or the Masters, were amateurs can get invited.
The PGA of America also reserves 20 spots for PGA Professionals in the second major championship of the year.
So how could an amateur get in? The only two ways are to win a major championship or capture a PGA Tour title, thus earning an exemption, and then remaining an amateur.
In the modern era, no amateur has won a major. Nick Dunlap won a PGA Tour event as an amateur last year but turned pro the following week.
The last amateur to win a major was Johnny Goodman in the 1933 U.S. Open. So, barring something that would be a historically great feat, don't expect the (a) on a PGA Championship leaderboard anytime soon.
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