9 big names not in the US Open field

The field is almost set for the 125th US Open at Oakmont Country Club – but a handful of big names won’t be playing at the feared course in Pennsylvania. 

There were some big name casualties in the 36-hole final qualifying rounds – known as ‘Golf’s Longest Day’ – while other players have suffered dips in form or season-ending injuries.

Missing this battle at Oakmont will come as a huge blow to some major champions, Ryder Cup hopefuls and PGA Tour winners.

Big names not in the US Open field

Here are of the biggest names who haven’t qualified for the US Open at Oakmont…

Max Homa

To think Homa was inside the world’s top-ten just a year ago. Golf is a fickle game. The Californian, who appears to be looking for a third caddie this year, carried his own bag for 36 holes during final qualifying only to be denied in a five-for-one playoff by Cam Young. Homa’s decline in form in recent times can be attributed to two significant changes: his clubs and his coach. It appears that only a win at the RBC Canadian Open will seal Homa a spot at Oakmont.

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Rickie Fowler

Fowler was denied in the same five-for-one playoff as Homa. He played in every major in 2024 but has now missed out on this year’s Masters and US Open. Fowler will be at Royal Portrush, though, after sealing the one spot for The Open available at the Memorial Tournament. He finished T7 on a sponsor’s invite at Muirfield Village.

Sergio Garcia

If Sergio Garcia’s recent US Open tweet was a subtle plea for an invite, it hasn’t had the desired effect. His run of 25 consecutive US Opens ended when he missed out in final qualifying in Dallas last month, finishing one short of a playoff.  Garcia wrote on social media that “unless a little miracle happens,” he won’t be at Oakmont, presumably hoping the USGA may give him a discretionary exemption. That miracle has not happened for the Spaniard.

Alex Noren

Noren’s return to prominence at the PGA Championship was mightily impressive, given he had been out for months after tearing a tendon in his hamstring. While he was eventually outplayed in the final round, to play in the final group on Sunday alongside champion Scottie Scheffler was quite the feat in itself. The Swede finished three shots off the mark in final qualifying.

Billy Horschel

Horschel posted a positive update on his hip surgery ahead of the US Open, but will miss all the 2025 majors after suffering the brutal setback in April. This will be the first time Horschel has missed his national championship since 2018.

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Will Zalatoris

Another devastating setback for a player brimming with talent but plagued by injuries. Zalatoris will miss the two final majors of the season after undergoing back surgery following the discovery he had re-herniated two discs in his back. The 28-year-old was runner-up in the 2022 US Open behind Matt Fitzpatrick.

Nicolai Hojgaard

This is hardly the season Hojgaard would have envisaged in a Ryder Cup year. He’s missed four cuts, including at the Masters, and his only top-ten came in Mexico back in February. The Dane has played in the last seven majors but will miss out after finishing two strokes short in a weather delayed qualifier in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Luke Clanton

Clanton, making his professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open, missed out in an underwhelming day in final qualifying. Still, the American made the cut on his major debut at Pinehurst last year and looks destined to play in many of his national championships to come.

Tiger Woods

No surprise here. The three-time US Open champion misses the tournament for the fourth time in the past five years. He is still recovering from the ruptured Achilles he suffered in March, and there has been no timeline set on his return to the golf course.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.