The 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge tees off on Thursday, May 22, at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. While World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, several prominent names—including World No. 2 Rory McIlroy—will be absent from this year’s event.
The tournament, now in its 79th year, will see defending champion Davis Riley return after winning last year with a score of 14-under 266. However, notable absences could reshape the competitive landscape. Here are five key players who will not be participating in this year’s Charles Schwab Challenge:
<strong>#1 Rory McIlroy</strong>
Following a disappointing outing at the PGA Championship, where he tied for 47th with a score of three-over 287, Rory McIlroy has opted to skip the Charles Schwab Challenge. This marks his poorest performance of the season, having otherwise consistently finished within the top 20. McIlroy is expected to return to action at the RBC Canadian Open on June 5.
<strong>#2 Will Zalatoris</strong>
Will Zalatoris, who has struggled with form in recent majors—missing the cut at both the PGA Championship and the Masters—has withdrawn from this event. His best performance this season came at the American Express (T12), and he will be replaced by Dylan Wu in the field.
<strong>#3 Zach Johnson</strong>
Veteran Zach Johnson, a two-time major winner, finished T8 at the Masters but did not compete in the PGA Championship. He has also pulled out of the Charles Schwab Challenge and will be replaced by Camilo Villegas. Johnson has 12 PGA Tour wins to his name, including the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship.
<strong>#4 Rasmus Hojgaard</strong>
Danish golfer Rasmus Hojgaard, who recently finished T67 at the PGA Championship and T32 at the Masters, withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge on May 16. Though he has yet to win on the PGA Tour, he has secured five victories on the European Tour. William Mouw will take his place this week.
<strong>#5 Nicolai Hojgaard</strong>
Nicolai Hojgaard, Rasmus’ twin brother, also withdrew from the tournament on May 18. He’s had a solid year on the European Tour but is still chasing his first PGA Tour title. His best finish this season came at the Mexico Open (8th). Akshay Bhatia will replace him in the field.
These withdrawals open the door for rising players to make a mark, but the absence of such established names will certainly be felt at Colonial Country Club this week.