The Countdown Begins: Rickie Fowler to Miss the 2025 Masters
As the 2025 Masters prepares to tee off at Augusta National Golf Club from April 10–13, the excitement is building among fans and players alike. Big names like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are ready to compete for one of golf’s most prestigious prizes—the iconic green jacket. The course is prepped, anticipation is sky-high, and all eyes are on Augusta. But while the tournament promises plenty of action, one major storyline is casting a shadow: the absence of Rickie Fowler.
Rickie Fowler has failed to qualify for the Masters for the fourth time in five years.
Rickie hasn’t won a tournament since the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2023. pic.twitter.com/RJgV3Tmqwf
— SleeperGolf (@SleeperGolf) April 7, 2025
Fowler, once considered one of golf’s brightest talents, has struggled to find his form in 2025. He’s participated in eight tournaments this season but hasn’t managed to crack the top 10. His best result so far has been a tie for 18th at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Despite his slump, Fowler remains a beloved figure in the sport, known for his charisma, flair, and loyal fan base. Yet, his current performance has sparked a difficult question among fans: Is Rickie Fowler playing in this year’s Masters?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
This marks another step in what has been a slow and steady decline from Masters contention for Fowler. While he’s always had the skill and popularity to draw attention, the results haven’t matched. His best Masters finish came in 2018 when he finished second, just one stroke behind the winner, Patrick Reed. He also placed tied for fifth in 2014 and tied for second again in 2018, but that elusive green jacket has always stayed out of reach.
Fowler returned to the Masters in 2024, much to fans’ delight, but he won’t be making a repeat appearance in 2025. His last hope for qualifying was a win at the Valero Texas Open, but a tie for 30th left him short. Brian Harman won that event, shutting the door on Fowler’s chance. With no recent major wins and a FedEx Cup ranking just above 50 last season, Fowler didn’t meet the criteria to make the Masters field.
Though he’s not in Augusta this year, it’s not necessarily the end of the road for Fowler. At 36, he still has time to turn things around. Many believe his talent and determination will carry him to another shot at the Masters or another major down the line. For now, however, his absence is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the game.
Fowler’s situation isn’t unique. The Masters has the smallest field of all four major tournaments—only 95 players this year—so some big names were bound to miss out. Notably, Tiger Woods won’t be playing either. After joking about a return on April Fools’ Day, Woods confirmed he’s sitting out due to ongoing injury issues. Former U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland also came close but missed qualifying after finishing second at the Texas Children’s Open. Meanwhile, Vijay Singh, who has played in 31 consecutive Masters, will miss this year due to injury.
Other recognizable names missing from Augusta include Louis Oosthuizen, Marc Leishman, Ben Griffin, and rising amateur Luke Clanton. Their absence, combined with Fowler’s, means this year’s Masters will be missing several key figures who’ve shaped recent golf history.
Even with these notable absences, the 2025 Masters still promises to be a thrilling spectacle. But for fans of Rickie Fowler and other missing stars, it’s a bittersweet moment, highlighting both the unpredictability and the unforgiving nature of professional golf.