The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the next stop on the PGA Tour calendar, featuring a unique team format where players compete in pairs. While several top golfers are playing, some big names are missing from the 2026 edition.
Here’s a clear breakdown:
Rory McIlroy
He hasn’t played since winning The Masters. After skipping the RBC Heritage, he’s also sitting out this event. Earlier this season, he finished T14 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and second at the Genesis Invitational.
Scottie Scheffler
Also absent despite a strong 2026 season. He won The American Express and had multiple top finishes, including second place at The Masters and RBC Heritage.
Patrick Cantlay
Comes off a solid T8 finish at RBC Heritage but is not participating this week. His season includes several decent finishes, including T7 at the Valspar Championship.
Xander Schauffele
Another notable absentee. He recently finished T12 at RBC Heritage and has been consistent this season with multiple top-10 finishes.
Tommy Fleetwood
Also missing after a modest T52 at RBC Heritage. Earlier in the year, he performed well with top finishes at Pebble Beach and the Genesis Invitational.
In short:
Even though the Zurich Classic still has strong pairings, several top-ranked golfers are skipping it—likely for rest, scheduling, or preparation for bigger upcoming tournaments.