The countdown is officially on. The 2025 Masters is set to tee off at Augusta National Golf Club from April 10–13, and the excitement is electric. The air is thick with anticipation as the game’s biggest stars, from Scottie Scheffler to Rory McIlroy, gear up to battle for the coveted green jacket. Augusta National is ready to host another unforgettable tournament. But there’s one big question on fans’ minds that isn’t about the tournament—it’s about one of the game’s most popular stars.
This year, Rickie Fowler is seemingly unable to find his groove. He’s competed in eight events so far, but has yet to finish in the top 10. His best result? T18 at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. For someone with his pedigree, it’s clear that the form simply isn’t there yet. Despite the recent slump, Fowler has remained a beloved figure in golf. His loyal following continues to cheer him on, even as he struggles to recapture the magic that once made him one of the game’s most exciting players. And the fans are asking that one dreaded question:
Is Rickie Fowler playing in the Masters this year? Spoiler alert: Sadly, the answer is no.
Fowler’s fall from Masters’ grace has been gradual, despite his undeniable talent and popularity. The 36-year-old’s best Masters finish came in 2018 when he was the runner-up, just a shot behind Patrick Reed. He also notched a T5 finish at Augusta in 2014 and T2 in 2018 — but that elusive green jacket has never quite been within his grasp.
After making a triumphant return to the Masters field in 2024, Rickie Fowler will be watching from the couch in 2025. His hopes were pinned on a victory at the Valero Texas Open—but it wasn’t meant to be. Fowler finished T30, carding an even-par score. The win he needed for qualification slipped through his fingers as Brian Harman took the title. With his FedEx Cup ranking just above 50 last season and no major wins since his 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic victory, Fowler’s path to Augusta was blocked.
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’s journey is far from over. He may not be at Augusta in 2025, but his future still holds promise. With his drive and determination, we wouldn’t bet against him getting another shot at the Masters—or even a Major championship—soon. And while Fowler’s absence is disappointing, he’s not alone—this year’s Masters lineup is missing more than a few familiar faces.
Other big names missing from Augusta this year
Rickie Fowler isn’t the only fan-favorite who won’t be teeing it up at Augusta in 2025. With the Masters boasting the smallest field of the four majors—just 95 players this year—some familiar faces were always bound to miss the cut.
Perhaps the most shocking absence? Tiger Woods. After teasing fans with an April Fools’ joke about a comeback, the five-time Masters champ confirmed he won’t be playing due to lingering injury issues. Meanwhile, former U.S. Open champ Gary Woodland came heartbreakingly close to qualifying with a T2 finish at the Texas Children’s Open—but fell just short. And after 31 straight appearances, even 2000 Masters winner Vijay Singh won’t make the drive down Magnolia Lane this year, stepping aside due to injury.
Add to that list Louis Oosthuizen, Marc Leishman, Ben Griffin, and rising amateur Luke Clanton—and suddenly, this Masters feels like it’s missing a few chapters of recent golf history.
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