The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and every year, the field is filled with the best players in the world. However, injuries, poor form, and qualification rules sometimes prevent even top golfers from competing at Augusta National. The 2025 Masters will be no exception, with several big names missing the tournament. Here are six notable players who won’t be teeing it up this year:
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, will miss the tournament after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon while training in early March. The injury required surgery, and while Woods remains committed to playing competitive golf, his return timeline is uncertain. Fans will have to wait to see if he can make a comeback later in the season.
2. Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele has been battling a lingering rib injury that forced him to withdraw from the American Express tournament earlier this year. Although he made a return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he has struggled with his form and consistency. As a result, Schauffele has decided to sit out the Masters to focus on a full recovery, disappointing fans who hoped to see him contend for his first green jacket.
3. Scottie Scheffler
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has shockingly withdrawn from the 2025 Masters due to personal reasons. While he has been in excellent form this season, Scheffler recently announced that he would be taking time away from the game, leaving a major void in the field. The defending Players Champion was considered a top favorite for Augusta, and his absence will be felt.
4. Bernhard Langer
Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, who planned to make 2024 his final appearance at Augusta, will miss this year’s tournament due to a torn Achilles suffered while playing pickleball. The 66-year-old was looking forward to one last Masters, but his injury has delayed his farewell to competitive golf.
5. Rickie Fowler
Rickie Fowler, once one of golf’s most exciting players, has struggled with consistency and form in recent years. His current world ranking (outside the top 90) has left him ineligible for an invite to the Masters. Fowler will need to regain his winning touch to return to Augusta in future years.
6. Luke Clanton
Despite being the No. 1-ranked amateur golfer in the world, Luke Clanton has not yet qualified for the Masters. The young talent has received PGA Tour starts and still has a chance to play his way into the tournament, but as of now, he won’t be competing at Augusta.
With these six stars missing from the 2025 Masters, the tournament will have a different feel this year. Woods’ absence is always a blow to the event, while Scheffler and Schauffele were expected to be among the top contenders. However, golf fans can still look forward to a thrilling competition at Augusta National, with a new champion set to be crowned.
