Notable Stars Missing From 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational Field
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill features a stacked field of elite players, but several notable names are missing from this prestigious PGA Tour Signature Event. Here are five prominent players who won't be teeing it up this week:
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Jordan Spieth
Golfer swings club on course
Currently ranked 64th in the world, Spieth missed out despite strong recent performances (T4 at Phoenix Open, T9 at Cognizant Classic). His absence follows wrist surgery in August 2024, which affected his world ranking. "I'm bummed not to be there next week. It's been a great place for me," Spieth commented at the Cognizant.
Rickie Fowler Currently ranked 95th globally, Fowler misses his first Bay Hill appearance since 2016. Despite receiving invites to Pebble Beach and Genesis earlier this year, he wasn't extended an exemption this time. His best finish in 2025 is T18 in five starts.
Tiger Woods
Golfer swinging iron on course
The eight-time Bay Hill champion is exempt but won't play. Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational following his mother's passing and may be preparing for TPC Sawgrass or The Masters.
Jake Knapp
Golfer holding prize check, smiling
Fresh off shooting the PGA Tour's 15th sub-60 round at PGA National, Knapp narrowly missed qualifying through the Aon Swing 5. A final-hole birdie would have secured his spot at Bay Hill.
Nicolai Hojgaard The Danish Ryder Cup player finished 6th in the Aon Swing 5, just missing qualification. Currently leading the Tour in Scoring Average and Greens in Regulation, Hojgaard has shown impressive form with two runner-up finishes this season.