The PGA Tour’s best are back at it again, this time taking on Torrey Pines for the 2025 Genesis Invitational. While this iconic tournament is usually held at the historic Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, the devastating fires that swept through the city in January forced organizers to find a new venue. Enter Torrey Pines, which recently hosted the Farmers Insurance Open and has stepped up as the new temporary home for the event.
Though Tiger Woods, the tournament host, had to withdraw earlier this week, some of golf’s biggest names are still in the mix. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth are all teeing off, making this a can’t-miss event. With Signature Event status, the purse is set at a massive $20 million, with $4 million going to the winner. Despite the grandeur of the event, here are some of the big names that will not be playing this week.
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods has made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from this week’s Genesis Invitational, citing that he is still processing the loss of his mother, Kultida, who passed away on February 4th. In an emotional message shared on social media, Woods expressed that despite his plans to compete, he simply isn’t ready to return to golf. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss,” Woods wrote. His words reflect the weight of the grief he’s facing.
After learning of his mother’s passing, it was only three days before tournament organizers had announced Woods’s participation at Torrey Pines. Yet, in this moment of deep sorrow, Woods acknowledged the reality that he needs more time to heal. “I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing,” he shared, reminding everyone of the powerful bond he had with his mother and how this loss is affecting him.
2. Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele is suffering from a right rib injury which he got late last heat. He was forced to withdraw from American Express last month, and since then he has not appeared in any other event. In the 2025 PGA Tour season, the World No. 2 only played at The Sentry, where he finished at T30. It was probably because of the pain that he could not play well. He could not even make an appearance for the second event of the New York GC in TGL. As long he does not recover completely, the 2X Major Champion will not be playing golf. That is why he has also chosen to opt out of the prestigious Genesis Invitational.
3. Nicolai Hojgaard
Nicolai Hojgaard, the talented Dane who has been splitting his time between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, is one of the notable names missing from this year’s Genesis Invitational field. After finishing tied for 30th at the WM Phoenix Open last week, Hojgaard will be reflecting on his strong performance at Torrey Pines last year, where he secured a second-place finish at the Farmers Insurance Open. Watching his twin brother, Rasmus Hojgaard, put up a solid showing in Phoenix, Nicolai will be looking to build on that momentum as he eyes a strong 2025 season.
In addition to Hojgaard, nine players picked up PGA Tour wins in 2024 but won’t be competing in this tournament, as their victories from last year don’t carry over into the current season.
4. Luke Clanton
Luke Clanton, the rising amateur star, came agonizingly close to earning a PGA Tour card at the WM Phoenix Open but won’t be playing at Torrey Pines. With two impressive runner-up finishes under his belt in 2024, the World No.1 amateur is just one point away from securing his PGA Tour status. However, it’s still uncertain when his next appearance on the circuit will come.
5. Davis Riley
Davis Riley has faced a rough start to 2025, with the American pulling out of The Sentry and struggling through three consecutive missed cuts at The American Express, Farmers Insurance Open, and WM Phoenix Open.
After claiming his second PGA Tour victory at the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, Riley had an up-and-down finish to the year, showing flashes of brilliance but also battling inconsistency along the way.
However, the field will remain star-studded, and it will be a fun ride this weekend. Who are you rooting for at the Genesis Invitational? Let us know in the comments section below!
