Top Golfers Struggle at 2025 Players Championship, Popular Names Miss Cut

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Idyllic scoring conditions characterized the first two rounds of the 2025 Players Championship, yet many top golfers failed to capitalize on the opportunity. As the weekend looms, former champions and fan favorites find themselves heading home early from TPC Sawgrass.

Justin Thomas turned his fortunes around after a shaky start, improving dramatically from an initial poor showing. In contrast, Viktor Hovland, a past FedEx Cup champion, struggled mightily. He found himself in last place after shooting an 8-over 80 on Thursday and could not recover on Friday, finishing with a total score of 4-over, which led to another early exit from the tournament.

Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, also faced disappointment after signing for four scores of six or higher. His missed cut on Friday marks his first at The Players since 2021. “I just couldn’t get anything going,” Homa said post-round.

World No. 5 Ludvig Åberg, the Genesis Invitational winner, also failed to make the weekend cut, finishing with a total score of 2-over after hitting five double bogeys during the tournament. His playing partner Hideki Matsuyama joined him on the sidelines, while Wyndham Clark withdrew due to a neck injury. Other notable players, like Matt Fitzpatrick, Tony Finau, and Brian Harman, also faced early departures.

Leading up to the tournament, conditions were ideal for golf, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 25 miles per hour. However, the famed TPC Sawgrass course proved challenging for even the most talented players. The cut-line was set at 1-under, making it especially shocking to see many renowned players miss out on weekend action.

The disappointment echoed throughout the tournament as players like Justin Rose and Adam Scott finished at even par, just slipping under the cut-line. Rose expressed frustration about missing opportunities for birdies. “When it comes down to the fine margins, every stroke counts,” he noted.

As the competition narrows to the remaining contenders, all eyes are now on whether Scottie Scheffler can secure a historic third consecutive title. With a strong track record heading into the weekend, fans eagerly anticipate how Saturday’s play will unfold against a backdrop of prior events where unpredictable outcomes often reign supreme.

The 2025 Players Championship continues to draw attention, but the unexpected exits of such high-profile players mark a turning point in the tournament. Now, the pivotal question remains: who will emerge victorious at TPC Sawgrass, and what surprises will the weekend bring?