Several well-known players will be absent from the 2025 Open Championship, either due to injury, form, or failure to qualify. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable absentees:
Tiger Woods – Still recovering from Achilles tendon surgery. He has not returned to competitive play in 2025 and was never expected to tee it up at Royal Portrush.
Max Homa – Has dropped out of the world’s top 100 and did not qualify. He also chose not to attempt final qualifying.
Will Zalatoris – Misses out due to back surgery. His ongoing recovery has kept him sidelined for much of the season.
Billy Horschel – Underwent hip surgery earlier in the year. Not fit to compete.
Sahith Theegala – Pulled out of qualifying due to a neck injury. His recent form has also dipped.
Ian Poulter – Failed to get through final qualifying. The veteran Englishman’s struggles continued this season.
Graeme McDowell – The 2010 U.S. Open champion and local favorite couldn’t make it through qualifiers and misses a chance to play in his home country.
David Puig – Was in a qualifying position but fell apart late in the final round and missed out.
Sergio Garcia – Did not advance through qualifying. Another former star left out of the field.
Lee Westwood – Did not make it through any of the final four qualifiers.
Ernie Els – Withdrew shortly before the tournament. The reason for his exit has not been made public.
Sam Horsfield – Was disqualified after walking off the course during qualifying.
Paul Waring – Also withdrew ahead of the event, though no reason was officially stated.
Gary Woodland – Still working his way back after undergoing brain surgery. Did not qualify.
This year’s Open will still feature a world-class field, but the absence of these big names adds a different look to the championship.
