5 Big Names Missing from the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont — And Why It Matters
The 125th U.S. Open is set to unfold at the formidable Oakmont Country Club, widely known as one of golf’s ultimate tests. While the field boasts heavyweights like Rory McIlroy—fresh off a career Grand Slam—and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who’s riding high after his PGA Championship win, it’s the absentees that have sparked just as much conversation. From heartbreaking near-misses to career-halting injuries, here are five notable stars who won’t be teeing it up this week.
Sergio Garcia – Streak Snapped at 25
For the first time in 25 years, Sergio Garcia won’t be part of the U.S. Open field. The Spanish veteran, who’s participated in every edition since 2000, fell just one shot short at the Dallas qualifier. Despite carding a strong opening round of 6-under 65, a costly three-putt on the final hole left him outside the automatic qualifying spots—and even out of a playoff. Garcia publicly held out hope for a USGA exemption, but it never came. His absence marks the possible end of an era for one of Europe’s most recognized golf icons.
Update on surgery and recovery.
Thank you to Dr Philippon and his team out @SteadmanClinic for their help with a successfully surgery. No, I did not have a hip replacement. 😁. But the surgery itself was a success.
Thank you to Meghan, Kat, Jason, Jess and Quinn at Howard Head… pic.twitter.com/LscZfAvAbd
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) June 5, 2025
Billy Horschel – Sidetracked by Surgery
Injury woes have derailed Billy Horschel’s 2025 season, forcing him to skip all four majors. While initially slated for a possible hip replacement, he underwent a different surgery in early June and is now focused on recovery. Horschel last played in the U.S. Open in 2018 and achieved a career-best T4 in 2013 at Merion. The surgery means not only missing Oakmont but also likely ruling out his Ryder Cup debut later this year.
Rickie Fowler – Playoff Pain Again
Fowler’s journey to Oakmont ended in familiar heartbreak. Competing in the Columbus qualifier, he shot 70 and 69 but fell short in a playoff—twice. He missed out first on the final qualifying spot, then again on an alternate position. The fan favorite has now missed three of the last five U.S. Opens. However, there’s a silver lining: Fowler’s T7 at the Memorial secured his spot in this year’s Open Championship, giving him at least two major appearances in 2025 after also playing the PGA Championship.
Max Homa – A Harsh Fall from the Top 10
Max Homa was just a putt away from making the cut. Needing a two-putt birdie on his final hole during the Columbus qualifier, he three-putted, losing his chance to compete at Oakmont. He then lost a playoff for alternate status as well. Homa, who was once ranked World No.10, has slid to 90th and is yet to post a top-10 finish this season. With his U.S. Open record already shaky—missing four cuts in five appearances—2025 marks his first missed major in six years.
Will Zalatoris – Another Injury Setback
Will Zalatoris will also be absent at Oakmont due to re-herniated discs in his back that required surgery. The 28-year-old was a runner-up at the 2022 U.S. Open and had been a rising force before back issues began plaguing him. After a short return earlier this year, the condition worsened, and he is now out for the rest of the major season. His focus is now on recovery and aiming for a return later in the year.
Final Thoughts
While the 2025 U.S. Open will showcase some of the game’s most dominant talents, the absence of these five players adds emotional weight to the tournament narrative. For Garcia and Horschel, this could signal the winding down of storied careers. For Fowler, Homa, and Zalatoris, it’s another reminder of how fine the line can be between competing at the top and watching from the sidelines. As Oakmont looms, it’s a timely reflection on just how hard it is to even make it to the U.S. Open—let alone win it.