Tiger Woods to Miss The Players Championship in Final Year of Exemption
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Golf fans hoping to see Tiger Woods compete at The Players Championship this year will be disappointed, as the 15-time major champion will not be teeing it up at TPC Sawgrass. The deadline to enter the 144-man field passed last Friday, and Woods’ name was notably absent from the list, marking a significant moment in his storied career.
This year represents the final season of Woods’ five-year exemption into the prestigious event, earned through his triumphant 2019 Masters victory. That win at Augusta National, where he claimed his fifth green jacket and 15th major title, was a defining moment in Woods’ comeback story following years of personal and physical challenges. However, with the exemption now expiring, Woods’ future appearances at The Players Championship may hinge on other qualifications or invitations.
Woods, now 49, has not competed on the PGA Tour in 2025, though he has remained active in the golf world. He participated in the inaugural season of TGL, the tech-infused golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, and also played in the Seminole Pro-Member event, a high-profile gathering of pros and amateurs. Despite these appearances, Woods has yet to commit to a full PGA Tour event this year, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his plans.
The Players Championship, often dubbed the “fifth major” due to its elite field and significant purse, has historically been a mixed bag for Woods. He has won the event twice, in 2001 and 2013, but has also faced challenges at TPC Sawgrass, including withdrawals and missed cuts. His absence this year adds another layer of intrigue to his career trajectory, as he continues to navigate a balance between competitive golf and his ongoing recovery from injuries, including a devastating car accident in 2021 that nearly cost him his leg.
Woods’ limited schedule in recent years has been well-documented. Since his 2021 accident, he has prioritized major championships and select events, often citing the physical toll of competitive golf on his body. At the 2024 Masters, where he made the cut for a record 24th consecutive time, Woods finished 60th, a testament to his resilience but also a reminder of his current limitations. His most recent PGA Tour start came at the 2024 British Open, where he missed the cut.
While Woods’ absence from The Players Championship is a blow to fans, it’s not entirely unexpected. He has not played the event since 2019, when he finished tied for 30th, and his focus in recent years has shifted toward events with greater historical significance to his legacy. Still, his decision to skip Sawgrass this year raises questions about what lies ahead for the golfing icon.
The PGA Tour moves forward with a loaded field for The Players Championship, featuring the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Jon Rahm. But for many, the absence of Woods—a player who has transcended the sport and brought unparalleled attention to golf—will leave a noticeable void.
As Woods continues to chart his path, fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled for his next move. Whether it’s a return to major championship contention or a focus on off-course ventures like TGL, one thing remains certain: Tiger Woods’ every decision continues to captivate the golf world.
For now, though, TPC Sawgrass will host its flagship event without one of its most iconic champions. The Players Championship is set to begin on March 13, 2025, with the golf world watching closely to see who will step up in Woods’ absence.
