If you’re gearing up to watch your favorite golfers kick off the 2025 season, the first event might come with a tinge of disappointment. The Sentry 2025, the inaugural event of the calendar year, will showcase the top 50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup standings—a stage typically graced by golf’s biggest stars.

However, this year’s lineup features some notable absences. Prominent names like Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Tom Kim, Justin Rose, and Jordan Spieth will not be participating, each for their own personal or professional reasons. For fans, it’s a surprising twist, as these players are often considered staples of such high-profile events. So, what’s behind these absences? Let’s delve into the reasons why some of golf’s biggest names are sitting out the Sentry 2025.

1. Rory McIlroy

McIlroy being on the list will not be featuring the event because of his personal preferences. McIlroy explained, before the 2025 schedule release, that he would prioritize events he enjoys and that his age played a role in his decision. He stated, “Well, at this point in my career … Hey, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years, so I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well.” The Irish professional played last in 2019 at the Sentry, for which he recorded a T4 finish.

2. Rickie Fowler

The American professional will also be missing out on the first tournament because of his victoryless 2024 season. Because he is ranked 108th, he didn’t qualify for this season’s Sentry Tournament. However, this will also affect his participation at other signature events as well following the 2025 schedule. The best position Fowler could manage in 2024 was T4 at the ZOZO championship. Apart from this, he recorded his career-best performance at the Sentry 2024, recording a score of 70-67-75-70, finishing at 56th position.

3. Tom Kim

Similar to Rickie Fowler, the South Korean professional hasn’t had the best year, as he was victoryless, coming close to winning at multiple events, but couldn’t clinch it. His best finish was T2 at Hero World Challenge, while he was also ranked eighth at the Olympics representing his country. Because of the close losses, he failed to qualify for the first signature event of the 2025 calendar year. However, he was part of the players list at the Sentry 2024 and finished in 46th position with a score of under 14.

4. Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler, the fan’s favorite, with his great 2024 season, including 7 wins and the PGA Tour Player of the Year award as well. He was the top choice for a bet as well. However, the news of the world no.1  missing the first signature event came in fresh. Scheffler during Christmas Eve suffered an injury in his right hand. His manager shared the details with Fox Sports: “On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass.” This would be a heartbreak for the fans who were eagerly waiting to see the best competing in the 2025 schedule.

5. Jordan Spieth

The once world no.1 has been struggling with injury since 2023, which was unavoidable. He went on surgery for an ulnar nerve in his left wrist. After a long break from the field since August, he shared during an interview with Golfweek that he will be tournament-ready by January 1, 2025. However, it is not turning out to be true, as the fans will have to wait a little longer for him to get back on the course.

Despite his injury, he played at the 2024 Sentry and showcased a tough fight to win the title. He finished in the 3rd position with the barest margin with a final score of under 27. Kirk won the title by recording an under-29 score.

For the fans expecting their favorite from the above list to perform, might have to wait a little longer to see them at the course. Some struggle with injuries, while others have a tough time at the course during the 2024 season. However, with the new season starting, it will be a season to redeem and start on high to get entry at the Sentry 2026.

Apart from the five, many prominent names have confirmed their presence at the tournament, including Akshay Bhatia, Chris Kirk, Shane Lowry, and others. Don’t miss out on tuning in live on January 2-5, 2025, for the first events of the 2025 schedule.