Prominent Players Absent from the 2025 US Open Tournament
Let's Talk US Open, Baby!
Golf enthusiasts are all revved up as the 2025 US Open approaches, and the player lineup is shaping up nicely. Looking at the top 60 in the OWGR, defending champions from the past decade, recent Major winners, and other qualifiers, this event promises to be a thriller!
But who's missing out on the action? Let's take a peek at some of the notorious names...
T-Dub, aka Tiger Woods
The 15-time Major champ—who's previously won the US Open in 2000, 2002, and 2008—will be sitting this one out due to injury. Woods underwent surgery on his ruptured Achilles in March and will be out for the entire season. Bummer, 'cause last year at Pinehurst and in his previous appearance at Winged Foot in 2020, he missed the cut. Fingers crossed he'll return in December's PNC Championship, where carts are available, 'cause ain't nobody got time to walk 36 holes!
Sergio the Shooter, aka Sergio Garcia
This Spanish stallion's legendary 25-year streak in the US Open ended last month. Garcia missed out on qualifying in Dallas, dealing a significant blow to his Ryder Cup chances. He just missed a playoff by one stroke, meaning he'll skip the US Open for the first year since 1999. And he's not by The Open yet either; so far this year, he's only played in The Masters and the PGA Championship.
Max Homa, aka Mr. inconsistent
Max Homa's losing his touch—and his Major appearances are a reflection of that. He's missed his first Major since the 2019 Open, ending a streak of 21 consecutive Major appearances. With his current ranking of 90th in the world, it's clear something's awry. Homa came close to making the field via qualifying but three-putted his final hole and then lost in a playoff to Cameron Young in Ohio.
Rickie Fowler, aka Rick Roll'em
Rickie Fowler missed out on the playoff in Ohio, just like Max Homa. Sucks for Rickie, as he'll miss the US Open for three out of the last five years. He recently qualified for The Open via the Memorial Tournament and received a sponsor's invitation. So, he'll be playing in two Majors this year, having also teed it up at the PGA Championship. Rickie's got form: he finished T2 at the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst and was T5 at Erin Hills in 2017 and at Los Angeles CC in 2023, leading the 54-hole event.
Will Zalatoris, aka Injury Layover
Will Zalatoris came in second at Brookline in 2022, but he won't be competing in this year's Open due to a second back surgery after re-herniating two discs. Unfortunately, he'll also miss The Open Championship next month and hopes to return to the PGA Tour in the fall.
Billy Horschel, aka Long Recovery
Another big name on the sidelines is Billy Horschel, who had hip surgery last month. Horschel's targeting a return in late summer/fall and looks set to miss out on a Ryder Cup debut. This will be his second US Open absence since his 2013 debut at Merion, where he finished T4, his best finish to date.
Alex Noren, aka Swede with Two Misses
Noren played in the PGA Championship final group with Scottie Scheffler last month, but he won't be joining the fun at Oakmont this year. The Swede has previously participated in 11 US Opens, missing the cut just twice, in 2019 and this year. He finished three strokes back of the playoff at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Ohio and will miss the US Open for the first time since 2014.
Luke Clanton, aka FSU Standout
Lastly, there's the FSU sensation, Luke Clanton. This young man's making his professional debut this week at the RBC Canadian Open after missing out at the York, Canada qualifier. Clanton just barely missed out on low amateur honors to Neal Shipley last year at Pinehurst, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his pro golf debut. Unfortunately, he had an uncharacteristically poor day at the 36-hole qualifier, shooting two-over-par to finish eight strokes back of the qualifying score.
Despite his extensive history with victories in the US Open, Tiger Woods, also known as T-Dub, will be absent from the 2025 event due to his current injury.
Sergio Garcia, or Sergio the Shooter, will not participate in this year's US Open for the first time since 1999, as he was unable to qualify in Dallas.
