The field for the annual Hero World Challenge is packed. We’ve got Scottie Scheffler coming in, trying to win his third title in a row. The likes of Justin Rose, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, & others will try to stop him from doing so. The tournament also has three sponsor invites. But so far, one man hasn’t been confirmed in the field at Albany, Bahamas. And that is Rickie Fowler. And now we know why he will not be taking the field.

Sports Illustrated writer Bob Harig revealed why Fowler wasn’t included in the tournament. He tweeted, “A lot of angst over this but Fowler wasn’t eligible. The three sponsor invites Spieth, Horschel and Bhatia all Top 50 OWGR when qualification period ended after Tour Champ. The rest of the field determined by major winners and going down OWGR list to invite.”

As it turns out, even the Hero World Challenge has an exemption qualification criterion. And after the horrendous season he had, Fowler didn’t meet the requirements to receive an exemption. As Harig mentioned, Jordan Spieth, Billy Horschel, and Akshay Bhatia all finished inside the top 50 OWGR rating at the conclusion of the TOUR Championship. Hence, they qualified for the sponsor exemption. However, Rickie Fowler is nowhere near that rank.

The 36-year-old is currently ranked the world’s #80 player. In fact, the last time he was in the top 50 was way back in the Travelers Championship week last year in June 2024. However, he won’t be completely inactive during December this year.

What other commitments will Rickie Fowler have as we near the end of 2025? Let’s take a look at his schedule.

Where will Rickie Fowler play if not at Albany in the Bahamas?

Rickie Fowler may not have made the field for the 2025 Hero World Challenge. But he will still be pretty busy during the end-of-the-year golf season. The six-time PGA Tour champion might have a few other commitments in the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Fall season. However, he hasn’t been seen on the field since the conclusion of the 2025 BMW Championship back in August.

Many would have thought he would have teamed up with Lexi Thompson for the Grant Thornton Invitational. However, as his sponsorship with Grant Thornton ended this year, he won’t be appearing in the mixed event as well. Hence, the only realistic possibility of watching Rickie Fowler play again might be in TGL. He and the rest of the New York Golf Club will face Justin Thomas‘ Atlanta Drive GC on December 29, 2025, to kick off the second season.