Major Stars Miss 2025 Masters as Exclusive Field Emerges

Augusta, Georgia — As the 2025 Masters approaches, a surprising number of prominent golfers, including Tiger Woods, Gary Woodland, and Rickie Fowler, will be missing from the prestigious field. This year’s major tournament features 96 competitors vying for the coveted green jacket, highlighting the exclusivity and competitiveness inherent in the event.

Fowler, a previous Masters participant, finds himself absent from the lineup after a disappointing season, currently ranking 110th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). This marks his worst showing since 2022. Despite winning the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2023, Fowler’s recent performances could not secure him a spot.

Woodland, who brought inspiration to the PGA Tour with his remarkable story over the last two years, will also not appear. Following the expiration of his U.S. Open exemption, he has dropped to 94th in the world ranking, which places him far from the top-50 cut necessary for Masters qualification. He recently showcased promise with a T2 finish at the Texas Children’s Open, but it was not enough to secure his place at Augusta.

In an unforeseen twist, past Masters champion Angel Cabrera is back in competition, marking a comeback after serving a prison sentence for domestic abuse. Cabrera had missed several Masters before this year but impressed with his recent efforts on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

Another notable absence is Marc Leishman, a staple of the Masters since 1994. The 62-year-old has informed the competition committee that he will not participate this year due to injury, ending his streak of 31 consecutive appearances.

The field will still see several emerging talents and familiar veterans like Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm, generating excitement for the competition. McIlroy, seeking his first major win in over a decade, enters the Masters with strong recent performances at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.

This year’s Masters encapsulates the journey and grit of its competing golfers, from rising stars like Ludvig Åberg, who finished runner-up in his Masters debut last year, to veterans like Mickelson and Koepka. The landscape of golf appears in flux as LIV players, traditionalists, and newcomers alike shape an unpredictable and thrilling major season.

The absence of these significant figures raises questions and sets the stage for fresh narratives at this year’s tournament. With the Masters kicking off soon, fans will be eager to see how these developments play out and which players will rise to the occasion to claim one of golf’s most prestigious titles.