The 2025 Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush, but several high-profile players will be noticeably absent from the field. Whether due to injury, form, or qualification struggles, these absences will shape the dynamic of golf’s oldest major.
Here are 12 big names who won’t be teeing it up:
1. Tiger Woods
Woods announced earlier this year that he would miss the rest of the 2025 season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. At 49, speculation continues about whether fans will ever see him at another Open.
2. Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris has battled chronic back issues for the last two seasons. A second surgery in May ended hopes of a return in time for the Open, continuing his unfortunate absence from major events.
3. Graeme McDowell
The Northern Irishman, a former U.S. Open champion, failed to qualify for his home major. Once a crowd favorite at Portrush, McDowell’s ranking has slipped outside the top 300.
4. Billy Horschel
Horschel was a surprise runner-up at the 2024 Open but won’t be returning this year. A hip procedure in the spring ruled him out of action for most of the summer.
5. Sahith Theegala
Theegala pulled out of multiple events this summer due to a recurring neck issue. Despite a promising season early on, his health setback has kept him from competing at Portrush.
6. Sergio Garcia
Garcia’s continued absence from majors due to his LIV Golf status remains controversial. The Spaniard failed to earn an exemption or qualify through open routes.
7. Louis Oosthuizen
The 2010 Open champion also remains on the outside looking in due to limited eligibility and lack of qualification. His form on the LIV circuit hasn’t translated into major appearances.
8. Adam Scott
Scott’s stunning 22-year major appearance streak ended earlier this year when he failed to qualify for the U.S. Open. His absence at the Open marks the end of an era for the Australian star.
9. Patrick Reed
Reed failed to qualify through both the PGA Tour and international exemptions. His world ranking has slipped significantly since joining LIV Golf.
10. Padraig Harrington
The two-time Open winner attempted to qualify but fell short in Final Qualifying. At 53, his major appearances are becoming increasingly rare.
11. Rickie Fowler
Once a fan favorite at the majors, Fowler’s 2025 season has been marred by inconsistent play and missed cuts. He did not qualify for Royal Portrush.
12. Joaquin Niemann
Despite strong LIV Golf performances, Niemann missed out on Open qualifying. With no exemptions and a drop in world ranking points, he won’t be in the field this year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Open Championship will miss the presence of these established names, but it opens the door for emerging talent and new storylines at Royal Portrush. As the next generation steps forward, the absence of legends and familiar faces will surely be felt across the fairways of Northern Ireland.
