As The Open Championship 2023 draws near, golf enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting an enthralling display of talent and fierce competition. Co-sanctioned by the esteemed PGA Tour and DP World Tour, this prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the iconic Royal Liverpool Golf Course from July 20 to 23, 2023. With a staggering prize pool of $16,500,000 up for grabs, the championship is sure to attract the crème de la crème of golfers, all vying for the coveted Claret Jug.
However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, it has been confirmed that some notable golfers will not be gracing the green at this year’s tournament.
The Absent Elite: Top 7 Players Missing from the 151st Open Championship
While The Open Championship is renowned for its fierce competition and storied history, this year’s event will witness the absence of several perennial contenders. Though their presence will be missed, organizers and fans can still expect a thrilling and highly competitive tournament, with emerging talent poised to capture the spotlight.
Here are the seven best players who won’t be participating in the 151st Open Championship:
- Michael Block: Rising to prominence with an impressive performance at the PGA Championship, club pro Michael Block will be conspicuous by his absence at The Open Championship this year. Despite a valiant effort in the Final Qualifying at Dundonald Links, Block missed the cut, shifting his focus to the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla.
- Will Zalatoris: An immensely talented American golfer ranked 13th in the world, Will Zalatoris will be unable to compete in any Majors this year due to back surgery he underwent in April. Having showcased his abilities with second-place finishes in three other Majors, the 26-year-old will also miss his chance to make his debut at the prestigious Ryder Cup for Team USA.
- Daniel Berger: Formerly ranked World No. 12, Daniel Berger will miss his fifth consecutive Major owing to a lower back ailment. The four-time PGA Tour winner shared a swing video on Instagram in May, expressing hope for a swift return to competitive play.
- Ian Poulter: With 20 Open Championship appearances under his belt, Ian Poulter will be absent from the event for the third time in his illustrious career. Known for his fiery play, Poulter famously finished as runner-up to Padraig Harrington in the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale. His hectic schedule with the LIV Golf League and other commitments left him unable to qualify for this year’s championship.
- Lee Westwood: The former World No. 1, Lee Westwood, will miss The Open for the first time since 1994, breaking a streak of 27 consecutive appearances in the tournament. His intended debut at the Senior Open didn’t materialize, leading to his unfortunate absence from The Open as well.
- Tiger Woods: The legendary Tiger Woods, a three-time Champion Golfer of the Year, will miss The Open Championship for the fifth time in his illustrious career. His memorable triumph at Hoylake in 2006 still lingers in the minds of fans, who hope for his swift recovery from ankle surgery and a triumphant return to the greens soon.
- Sergio Garcia: A two-time Open Championship runner-up, Sergio Garcia will be absent from the event for the first time since 1997. Failing to qualify at the Final Qualifying round at West Lancashire Golf Club, he missed a chance to return to Hoylake, where he previously finished as the T2nd in 2014.
Despite these notable absences, The Open Championship 2023 is primed to deliver an unforgettable showcase of golfing excellence and drama, with new stars and seasoned veterans ready to compete for golf’s most prestigious trophy.
