Missing Major Moments: Who’s Absent from the 2025 PGA Championship?
By: Nick Piastowski | May 12, 2025
As the golf world turns its eyes to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, several notable players are notably absent from the tournament. Among them is the fan-favorite John Daly, who, along with several others, faces a significant choice: participate in the esteemed PGA Championship or compete in the Regions Tradition—a major event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit for players aged 50 and older. This year, the overlap in scheduling has led many seasoned players to opt for the Regions Tradition, raising questions about the implications for both events.
John Daly’s Decision and Its Implications
John Daly, a two-time major winner and cult hero in the sport, has chosen to compete in the Regions Tradition rather than the PGA Championship. This decision is significant, as it marks a shift from previous years when players like Daly would typically participate in both tournaments. Recently, he expressed his feelings about the scheduling conflict, stating, “Why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship? I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000.” This sentiment echoes the frustrations of other players, as the overlap could detract from the prestige of both tournaments.
A Historic Overlap
Since the PGA Championship moved to its May date in 2019, players in the Champions circuit have had to navigate scheduling conflicts. Previously, the Regions Tradition avoided this clash, but this year’s overlap has raised eyebrows. The intent to sidestep Mother’s Day impacts both events, resulting in fewer high-profile players in attendance at the PGA Championship, thus questioning the future scheduling decisions for major tournaments.
The Absence of Major Players
While Daly represents a powerful figure absent from the PGA Championship, he isn’t alone in this regard. Other notable players like Y.E. Yang, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, and David Toms have also opted for the Regions Tradition. This phenomenon highlights a broader issue that the PGA Championship faces in drawing top talent when competing with other significant events.
Spotlight on Surprising Absences
Let’s delve deeper into the field and examine some surprising players not competing at this year’s PGA Championship.
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Billy Horschel – Ranked No. 24 in the world, Horschel’s absence is unexpected. He is currently recovering from hip surgery, which will keep him out for several weeks. His recent performances suggested he could have made a strong showing, making his absence all the more significant.
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Shaun Norris – As the highest-ranked non-injured player at No. 101, Norris’s absence is puzzling. Citing his mother’s health as the reason, he declined an invitation, showing the personal sacrifices players sometimes have to make in this competitive environment.
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Luke Clanton – A promising amateur at No. 106, Clanton is another name that garners attention despite being a non-professional. His participation would have offered a fresh face, yet the PGA Championship is strictly for professionals.
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Tiger Woods – No list of absent players would be complete without mentioning Woods. As a legendary figure in golf with 15 major victories under his belt, his absence is felt deeply. Injuries, particularly to his Achilles tendon, have hindered his ability to compete and raised questions about his future participation in tournaments.
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Lucas Herbert – Despite being the highest-ranked LIV Golf player not in the field, Herbert’s absence signifies a growing trend of talent dispersion as players navigate new leagues and schedules.
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Marc Leishman and Adrian Meronk – As two LIV Golf winners this year who are not part of the PGA Championship lineup, their omissions indicate a shifting landscape in golf where numerous tours vie for the top players.
- Alex Smalley – Although Smalley remains in contention as the first alternate, his presence underscores the ongoing competition among players, especially as he awaits any potential dropouts from the tournament.
The Future of Major Scheduling
The scheduling crossover between major tournaments raises concerns and considerations that organizers must address moving forward. Major tournaments require the participation of top players to maintain their glamour and competitive edge. As exemplified by the current player absences, PGA Championship organizers must navigate this landscape carefully to avoid losing high-profile participants in future competitions.
Conclusions and Outlook
As the 2025 PGA Championship unfolds, the absence of several notable players—particularly from the Champions Tour—sheds light on the ongoing challenges within tournament scheduling. This year’s conflict offers valuable lessons for both players and organizers, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to foster competitive fields at major events.
The golf community watches eagerly, hoping for a resolution that can accommodate both the traditions of the sport and the players’ professional commitments. As the tournament progresses, fans will undoubtedly wish to see their favorite personalities gracing the greens of Quail Hollow, regardless of which event they choose to support. The future of the PGA Championship looks promising, but engaging top talent remains a crucial part of that narrative.
Keeping an Eye on Upcoming Events
As we look ahead, golf fans should keep a close watch on the forthcoming major events, including the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. These tournaments provide opportunities for players to redeem themselves and make a grand return to the spotlight. The excitement surrounding the ever-changing dynamics of professional golf assures an engaging season, filled with surprises and captivating storylines.
In conclusion, while the 2025 PGA Championship may be missing some key players this year, the upcoming tournaments promise thrilling displays of golf excellence. Whether rooting for the veterans of the Champions Tour or fresh faces emerging on the PGA Tour, the world of golf continues to shine brightly, captivating fans with each swing.
