Key Figures and Prominent Participants Absent from the 2025 Memorial Tournament
Hop on Board for the 2025 Memorial Tournament! This badass PGA Tour Signature Event is the last stop before the final two men's Majors and the Playoffs, leaving some of the biggest players in the US circuit with a golden opportunity to add a significant title to their trophy collections.
The event takes place at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where winners show up with a steely determination to claim victory and set the stage for an impressive run at the massive prizes ahead.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion following a one-stroke win in 2024, is back in action, fresh off his victories at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and PGA Championship.
However, a few of Scheffler's competitors have decided to sit this one out. Here are a few notable names:
SKIPPING THE PARTY: RORY McILROY
Rory McIlroy, a five-time Major winner, will be missing the Memorial Tournament for the first time in eight years, a fact that was confirmed when the official field list was announced last Friday. Despite appearing in three of the seven Signature Events, McIlroy backed out due to his busy schedule. The warriors at home will have to do without his signature moves.
SCHEDULE WOES: NICOLAI HOJGAARD
Nicolai Hojgaard's FedEx Cup position was not guaranteed, leading him to miss the Memorial Tournament. His recent drop in form further decreased his chances of earning a tee time at Signature Events. The former Ryder Cup player will be taking a break this week, unfortunately.
RASMUS HOJGAARD: THE TWIN WHO STAYS HOME
Rasmus Hojgaard has played in three Signature Events already this season, but he won't be teeing off at the Memorial Tournament. As the leading finisher on the 2024 Race To Dubai who was not otherwise exempt, he qualified for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational, and later qualified for the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club thanks to the Aon Swing 5 route. However, with no wins and a disappointing performance, the World No. 64 will be enjoying a well-deserved rest at home.
WILL ZALATORIS: BACK PROBLEMS FORCE A BREAK
Will Zalatoris revealed earlier this week that he had re-injured his back, forcing him to miss the remaining two Majors and the final Signature Event of the season while he recovers. Despite playing in all six Signature Events previously, Zalatoris will be watching this year's Memorial Tournament from the comfort of his home.
BILLY HORSCHEL: HIP SURGERY KEEPS HIM ON THE SIDELINES
Another player on the sidelines is Billy Horschel, who underwent right hip surgery. Despite a strong start to the year and a top-ten position in the rankings, Horschel won't be participating in the Memorial Tournament this year.
JASON DAY: LEFT WRIST ISSUE KEEPS HIM AWAY
Australian pro golfer Jason Day, a resident of Muirfield Village, was forced to miss the Truist Championship due to a reported back issue. This time, he's sitting out the Memorial Tournament because of a sore left wrist. The former World No. 1 is expected to return for the US Open in two weeks, and golf fans will be eagerly awaiting his comeback.
TOM KIM: CLOSE, BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH
Tom Kim narrowly missed out on qualifying for all eight Signature Events this season, ending the 2024 FedEx Cup standings in 51st place. Despite playing in three Signature Events in 2025 - the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, and Arnold Palmer Invitational - Kim failed to win any events or maintain consistent strong form, leaving him out of the Memorial Tournament. His world ranking, currently 45th, is likely to be a source of frustration for the South Korean golfer.
At Muirfield Village Golf Club, Rory McIlroy, a five-time Major winner and a frequent participant in Signature Events, is absent from the Memorial Tournament for the first time in eight years, owing to his occupied schedule.
Nicolai Hojgaard, with a questionable FedEx Cup position, missed the Memorial Tournament due to his recent drop in form and lack of guaranteed entry into Signature Events.
