Viewership has been a hot topic lately, but it’s not just about numbers on a screen. There are layers to this conversation and one of the biggest anomalies? The absence of golf stars. When the big names show up, fans tune in. When they don’t? Well, it’s hard to expect the same level of excitement.

Now, we’re heading into the WM Phoenix Open, the sixth event of the PGA Tour season, running from January 31 to February 4. The good news? World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is expected to be in the course after a short break due to injury. Defending champion Nick Taylor will also grace the course, along with many familiar names. But here’s the catch—some major stars are sitting this one out. Let’s have a look at who won’t tee up at TPC Scottsdale.

1. Xander Schauffele

Another week, another Xander Schauffele absence. The World No. 2 hasn’t played since The Sentry, where he finished T-30 at 17 under, and now he’s skipping the WM Phoenix Open too. So, what’s the deal?

Turns out, he’s been dealing with a right rib injury since late 2024. It’s not a broken bone, but a soft tissue strain/micro tear. He pushed through the pain at The Sentry, but by The American Express, it was just too much. According to Gabby Herzig of The Athletic, the injury happened during a pre-season workout, and Schauffele had to take time off to heal. The good news? He’s finally cleared to practice again.

But rib injuries are no joke, and rushing back too soon could do more harm than good. For now, it looks like Schauffele is prioritizing a full recovery, even if it means missing out on some big events.

2. Rory McIlroy

If you were hoping to see Rory McIlroy tee it up at the WM Phoenix Open, well… you might want to wake up from that dream. He won’t be participating in this one, and honestly, it’s not all that surprising

McIlroy has always been one to start his season in Europe, and he did just that, kicking things off with a T4 finish at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.  But when it comes to TPC Scottsdale, McIlroy doesn’t really like it. He’s even admitted, “I struggle off the tee here. I feel like all the fairway bunkers are right in my landing zones.” That doesn’t sound like a guy who’s excited to play this event.

Now, he did throw in a bit of a contradiction, adding, “I feel like I’m a good enough player to figure it out and contend and win on any golf course.” Sure, but actions speak louder than words—and the fact that he hasn’t teed it up here since last year means he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to change that anytime soon.

Besides, McIlroy is cutting back his schedule this season, trimming it down to around 22 events to balance commitments between the PGA and DP World Tours. So, if you were hoping to see him at TPC Scottsdale, you can officially count this one out.

3. Ludvig Åberg

If there’s one name that’s been making waves lately, it’s Ludvig Åberg. He started the year with a T5 finish, and at The Farmers Insurance Open, he was right there in contention—until illness knocked him down the leaderboard to T42. Yeah, that one stings.

Fast forward to Pebble Beach, and Åberg was ready to bounce back. But fate had other plans. After just one round, he had to withdraw due to the same illness. The PGA Tour made it official, posting on X: “Ludvig Åberg (illness) WD prior to round two of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His amateur partner, Jimmy Dunne, will now play with Cypress Point Head Professional Casey Reamer.”

So yeah, if you were hoping to see Åberg tee it up at the WM Phoenix Open, it’s not happening. For now, he’s probably getting some much-needed rest, hoping to bounce back stronger in the next event.

But don’t worry—just because a few big names are missing doesn’t mean the excitement is gone. Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and of course, Scottie Scheffler are all still in the mix.

So who are you rooting for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open? Let us know in the comments!