2024 Farmers Insurance Open: 5 Biggest Names Missing From the 156-Players Field

The fourth event on the 2024 PGA Tour calendar is just around the corner. Yes, we are talking about the Farmers Insurance Open, which is all set to kick off at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in California. A total of 156 golfers would tee it off and battle it out between themselves on the course in a bid to take a cut from the $9 million prize pool. But, as the tournament inches closer, it seems not every eligible player will make an appearance on the greens.

Thus, it is natural for the community to become curious about the big names that will miss the California event. Here, we present a list of five big names that won’t be in action at the 2024 Farmers Open.

Rickie Fowler among top golfers who will not return to the field of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open

1. Rickie Fowler: The tournament would witness a big change from its previous edition in 2023, back when the title sponsor was partnered up with Fowler. However, soon after breaking the partnership that lasted for more than a decade since 2012, the PGA Tour Pro also went ahead to opt out of the tourney. His appearance at the event had been somewhat of a norm for the last 15 years. Although both have been longtime partners, he has had little success in the event, the best of which came in 2010 with a T5 finish.

Fowler, though, has confirmed his participation at the Cognizant Classic that is to be played from February 26–March 3 at the PGA National Resort’s Champion Course.

2. Scottie Scheffler: Another big name missing from the Farmers Insurance Open is the current No. 1, Scottie Scheffler. The 27-year-old American had teed it up for the Sentry and the American Express, where he finished at T5 and T17, respectively. The golfer did not take part in the 2023 edition of the tourney, where Max Homa emerged victorious. His last appearance at the same level came in 2022, where he placed T20 at 10-under.

3. Justin Thomas: Following his first appearance in 2024 at the American Express, the 30-year-old decided to follow in Fowler’s footsteps to mark the second high-profile exit from the tournament. He has played a total of four times over his career in the Farmers Insurance Open. Although the exact reason for his exit has not been revealed, it is speculated that he intends to take a rest to play continuously for the next three weeks at the AT&T, the Phoenix Open, and the Genesis Open.

Thomas started the year with a T3 finish at The American Express. His withdrawal was confirmed by the officials on January 22. Australian Harrison Endycott has stepped in to take his place.

4. Nick Dunlap: The first amateur winner that the PGA Tour dished out in 33 years announced his intention to take a break, go back home to Alabama, and spend some time with his friends, family, and teammates. “After a life changing last 24 hours, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open,” Dunlap wrote in a statement released by the PGA Tour. The Alabama sophomore during the American Express event, becoming the first amateur in more than 30 years to win on tour.

Interestingly, he has received all the benefits he can rake in as a non-professional champion on the circuit. Moreover, if one looks at the rewards along with the fact that he would not be awarded a cut of the prize money even if he emerged victorious as an amateur, his decision makes perfect sense.

5. Wyndham Clark: Following Wyndham Clark’s appearance at the American Express, where he finished a T39, the current world number 10 would also be missing from the field at the Farmers Insurance Open. The golfer had taken part in the previous edition of the event in 2023. However, he could only finish at T37, dishing out a score of 1-over par.

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Although many of the big names in the golfing world are not present at the upcoming event, there is no dearth of talent on the field, comprising the 156 athletes. Defending Champion Max Homa will be joined by the likes of Xander Scauffele, the highest-ranked player in action this week, world number 6 Patrick Cantlay and Keegan Bradley among others.

Who do you think will take home the crown this time around?

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