We’re officially entering the fourth week of this year, which also means the fourth event on the 2025 PGA Tour calendar is just around the corner. Yes, we are talking about the Farmers Insurance Open! So far, the season has been pretty overwhelming for viewers, mainly because big names were missing from the very first event of the season (The Sentry).

Then the Sony Open and American Express also saw a similar story. And, unfortunately, that trend will continue at the San Diego event next week. However, pros like Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, and Sahith Theegala, who missed the AmEx event, will return to the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Some big names missing from the $9 million event are:

Scottie Scheffler

It is now no news to golf enthusiasts that Scottie Scheffler has been sidelined lately. For those who missed the news, it’s due to a palm injury that’s kept the world No. 1 out of action. And let us tell you, it’s no small one. The 2024 FedEx Cup winner underwent surgery to remove glass shards from his palm and has been recommended some time away from the greens. This serious procedure also forced him to miss three PGA Tour events so far. Those events had a combined purse of $38.5 million!

Now, add another $9 million to that list, as Scheffler will be MIA from the Farmers Insurance Invitational too. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Scheffler has missed this event. Last year too, the player was spotted missing where Matthieu Pavon snagged the title, scoring 13 under par, and sinking four birdies in the final round.

The good news? Scheffler is expected to return to action at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, starting January 30. He shared the update on his Instagram story, giving fans something to look forward to.

Xander Schauffele

The tough, on-the-out, soft-inside man, Xander Schauffele impressed with a 9-under-par performance last year, but this time around, he’ll be noticeably absent. The world no. 2 was last seen performing at the Sentry Tournament of Champions where the 9X PGA Tour winner didn’t quite live up to expectations, finishing T30 with a total score of 17 under par.

Next, he was spotted at the inaugural match of the TGL in Florida. But since then, Schauffele has gone MIA from PGA Tour events. Fans are now scratching their heads, wondering if Schauffele will be the next player to make the jump to LIV Golf. The speculation intensified when he withdrew from The American Express on January 13, citing an unknown medical reason. What do you think? What’s really going on with Schauffele?

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is no stranger to missing the opening events of the PGA Tour. The 26X PGA Tour winner often starts his season in Dubai. But fans were hoping to see him at the Farmers Insurance Open especially since he’ll be wrapping up the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic on January 19th.

Unfortunately, according to the new PGA Tour field list released on January 17th, McIlroy will skip the $9 million event. This isn’t the first time the 4X major winner has missed the San Diego event. Last year, he made his PGA Tour debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am instead, and this time will be the same too. 

 Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas started his year with a strong showing at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Currently, he’s making waves at The American Express in La Quinta, sitting at 13 under par. With the leading score at 16 under par, Thomas has a good shot at winning.

But even if he doesn’t take the top spot, fans might have thought he’d get another chance to shine in San Diego. But sheesh! Thomas won’t be teeing off at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The reason? According to the reports, Thomas has committed to playing in Tiger Woods’s innovative TGL league. On January 21st, the tech-infused league will host its third match featuring Thomas’s team, Atlanta Drive GC. Instead of hitting the greens, Thomas will be competing in front of a big screen.

Rickie Fowler

Rickie Fowler, the orange enthusiast, kicked off his PGA Tour events at The American Express and is currently hovering around the top 10 after scoring 10 under par in round 2. However, he’ll miss the Farmers Insurance Open.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Fowler will be skipping this event. He also missed it last year after parting ways with Farmers Insurance, ending a decade-long partnership. Don’t worry, though! Fowler won’t be off the radar completely! The 34-year-old pro will be competing in the TGL league, representing New York GC against Atlanta Drive GC.