The first match of TGL will be played on January 7, 2025. After a year of delay! It will feature some highly ranked golfers who will be looking to showcase their skills to help their team take an early lead.

But, after looking through the entire list of players who are part of the first season of TGL, fans might have realized that there are quite a few big names already missing from the mix. We are here to look at 5 of the most surprising PGA Tour pros who will not participate in TGL this year.

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler had an incredible 2024! The world knows he picked up nine victories, two of which came at the Paris Olympics and the 2024 Hero World Challenge. His domination at the Masters was the highlight of the season as he wore the 2nd green jacket of his career. Scheffler has always been one of the biggest admirers of Tiger Woods and also shares mutual respect with fellow top-ranked player Rory McIlroy.

Scheffler announced his exit from The Sentry 2025 due to an injury. He was still never advertised to be a part of the TGL. Considering the competitive nature of Scottie Scheffler and his desire to win everything, it comes as a surprise that he didn’t choose to play in the indoor golf event.

Jordan Spieth

There was once a time when Jordan Spieth was matching records of GOATs like Jack Nicklaus & Tiger Woods. He was the only one besides Nicklaus to win three majors before turning 24. Spieth’s career was perfectly lined up to be historic in every right. As per reports, Woods mentored the Dallas local as he grew as a player during his early days. They share a friendship that goes beyond competing in the tournaments.

While it is disappointing that Tiger Woods couldn’t get Jordan Spieth for TGL, it’s still quite understandable. Especially considering the injuries the latter has gone through recently. Moreover, his amazing winning run during the early part of his career has also faded out, as the last time he won a title was back in 2022. While Jordan Spieth still remains injured, it can be assumed that he wouldn’t have been an ideal pick for the first year of TGL.

Will Zalatoris

Will Zalatoris, Woods, and Jordan Spieth are friends. Spieth and Zalatoris spent much time together when they were junior golfers. The 82x PGA Tour winner also took Zalatoris under his wing in his initial career on the Tour. But we all know how Zalatoris’s past couple of years has been. He had back surgery last year and was sidelined. Hence, it does come as a surprise that he is not a part of TGL. He is currently playing at the Sentry, but last year, when teams were getting finalized, Zalatoris was not fit.

Sam Burns

Sam Burns defeated the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Cameron Young to win the 2023 World Golf Championships. He made his Ryder Cup debut in 2023 and has played for many Presidents Cups. Now, Burns also admires the 15x major winner and would jump at the opportunity to play in the tech-infused league, which would have brought a lot of value. But he is not a part of TGL.

Tony Finau

Tony Finau has been in the headlines for his probable move to LIV Golf. But then came the news of his participation in the The Sentry. Finau had a great 2024; 5 top-10 finishes, including the T3 at the 2024 U.S. Open. Wow! Hence, Finau’s absence from the players list in the first season of TGL is truly a big surprise.

There are still a few names that could have added a lot of value to TGL like Nick Dunlap, who had a record-setting 2024. Perhaps once the merger goes through, top LIV Golf players will also be able to join the future editions of TGL.

Who else do you think is surprisingly missing from Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy’s TGL in 2025? Share your views in the comments section.