The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale promises to deliver another thrilling week of links golf, with the world’s best players competing for the coveted Claret Jug. However, while the spotlight will be on those in the field, several high-profile names will not be making the trip to England after failing to qualify, withdrawing due to injury, or missing out through exemption criteria.
Their absence leaves noticeable gaps in one of golf’s most prestigious championships and highlights just how difficult it is to secure a place in The Open.
Louis Oosthuizen
One of the biggest withdrawals came from former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, who announced he would miss the championship because of a back injury.
The South African, who won The Open at St Andrews in 2010, said his back had not recovered sufficiently for him to compete at Royal Birkdale. His withdrawal is particularly disappointing given his outstanding record on links courses, where he has consistently been among the strongest performers.
Oosthuizen’s smooth swing and experience made him a player many believed could contend despite his injury struggles in recent years.
Dustin Johnson
Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson will also miss The Open after withdrawing from Final Qualifying.
Johnson, the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters champion, was hoping to earn his place through qualifying after failing to secure an exemption. Instead, he withdrew before the event, ending a remarkable streak of appearances in major championships.
His absence has also fueled speculation about the next phase of his career, with reports linking the LIV Golf star to a possible return to the PGA Tour, although no official confirmation has been made.
Sergio Garcia
Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia is another notable absentee after falling short in his attempts to qualify.
Garcia has enjoyed numerous memorable performances at The Open throughout his career, including several close calls, but he will not be part of this year’s championship field.
The Spaniard remains one of the most recognizable figures in professional golf, making his absence significant for fans.
Ian Poulter
European Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter is also missing from Royal Birkdale.
Known for his passion, match-play heroics, and success in European golf, Poulter has struggled to maintain regular appearances in major championships since joining LIV Golf.
Without an exemption or successful qualifying campaign, he will watch this year’s Open from afar.
Graeme McDowell
Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell is another experienced player absent from the championship.
The Northern Irishman has enjoyed success on links golf courses throughout his career, but he was unable to secure a place in this year’s field.
His experience and creativity around the greens have often made him a dangerous competitor in Open Championships.
Other notable absentees
Several additional players with impressive resumes will also miss Royal Birkdale after failing to qualify or not meeting the exemption requirements.
With increasingly competitive qualification pathways, earning a place in The Open has become more challenging than ever, particularly for players whose world rankings have declined in recent seasons.
A field packed with stars
Although several familiar faces are absent, the championship still boasts one of the strongest fields in golf.
Defending champions, recent major winners, top-ranked players, Ryder Cup stars, and rising young talents will all be competing for the Claret Jug.
Royal Birkdale’s demanding layout, unpredictable coastal weather, and traditional links conditions are expected to provide another stern examination for every player fortunate enough to tee it up.
The challenge of qualifying
The absence of so many accomplished players serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to qualify for The Open.
Unlike some tournaments that rely heavily on invitations, The Open offers multiple qualification routes, including world rankings, major victories, professional tours, and Final Qualifying events.
Even former major champions can find themselves battling through qualifying if they no longer meet exemption criteria.
Looking ahead
While fans will undoubtedly miss seeing some of golf’s biggest names compete at Royal Birkdale, the championship remains one of the sport’s greatest spectacles.
The players who have earned their places now have the opportunity to write their own chapter in Open Championship history, while those missing this year’s tournament will already be looking ahead to future opportunities to return to golf’s oldest and most prestigious major.
