Top Golf Stars Set to Miss 2025 Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club
As the PGA Tour shifts focus to the 2025 Rocket Classic, hosted at the Detroit Golf Club, several big names are noticeably missing from the entry list. This comes just after the conclusion of the final signature event of the season. While the tournament — formerly known as the Rocket Mortgage Classic — will feature defending champion Cameron Davis, who won his second title last year and took home $1.656 million from a $9.2 million purse, several marquee players have opted out of this year’s edition.
In 2025, the prize purse has been increased to $9.6 million, but some of the sport’s most high-profile competitors will not be teeing off.
1. Rory McIlroy
After a stellar season that included three wins — notably completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters — Rory McIlroy will skip the Rocket Classic. He most recently tied for sixth at TPC River Highlands and has decided to spend time with his family in Northern Ireland instead of competing in Detroit. Despite missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy’s season has been exceptional.
2. Scottie Scheffler
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will also miss the Rocket Classic. He’s had an outstanding season, winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the PGA Championship, and the Memorial Tournament, bringing his PGA Tour win total to 16. His latest appearance saw him tie for sixth alongside McIlroy at the Travelers Championship. Scheffler remains consistent, having made the cut in every event he’s entered this season.
3. Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas will be absent from the Rocket Classic for the second straight year. He recently broke his three-year winless drought with a victory at the 2025 RBC Heritage. Although he missed the cut at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, he bounced back with a T9 finish at the Travelers Championship. Thomas played in the Rocket Classic in 2023 but failed to make the cut after scoring a 1-over 145.
4. Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland is out due to injury. He withdrew from the Travelers Championship after suffering a neck issue early in the final round. Although he secured a win this season at the Valspar Championship and has achieved three top-15 finishes, his health remains a concern. Hovland has missed the cut in three events this year and is likely focusing on recovery.
5. Xander Schauffele
Despite a strong performance in 2024, where he won both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, Xander Schauffele is yet to record a victory in 2025 and will not participate in the Rocket Classic. His best finishes this year include a tie for eighth at the Masters and a T11 at the Truist Championship. His absence is another big miss for the tournament lineup.
While the 2025 Rocket Classic will still feature strong competition and increased prize stakes, the absence of these high-profile golfers is a notable storyline as the PGA Tour enters the latter stretch of the season.