Tiger Woods is the most prominent name on the list of past Masters champions who will not be playing in the 2025 Masters at Augusta National, as he recovers from recent Achilles surgery. However, he is not the only name missing this year.
One of the biggest perks of winning the Masters is a lifetime invitation to Augusta National. This is similar to what PGA Championship winners get, while Open winners get to play until they turn 55, while US Open winners only get to play for 10 years.
And seeing champions return to Augusta National is always an emotional moment for fans – when they can see the legends of old playing golf alongside contemporary stars.
However, not all champions will be in the tournament anymore. This year, there will be 16 Masters champions who will not compete in the 2025 Masters, down from 17 last year.
Tiger Woods is the latest notable name on this list after having to withdraw due to health issues following Achilles surgery. However, alongside him, there are also former champions who will return after being absent in 2024.
Two-time champion Bernhard Langer will return after missing last year through injury. This will be his 41st and final appearance at the Masters, having announced his farewell to Augusta.
Angel Cabrera, the 2009 Masters champion, will also return to Augusta for the first time since 2019, after serving a prison sentence for off-course issues.
Masters legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player will hit the ceremonial tee shots on Thursday and also attend the Masters Champions dinner on the same day, but they have long since retired from competition.
Other names on the list of players not competing at this year’s Masters include Sir Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, and Trevor Immelman. In addition, former champions such as Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, Charl Schwartzel, Mike Weir and Bubba Watson are also not competing this year.
