The dust has barely settled on The Masters, where Rory McIlroy became the first player to win back-to-back titles since Tiger Woods in 2002, but another big event is already upon us.

We’re well and truly into the main part of the season now, and the fact that the $20m RBC Heritage follows hot on the heels of the year’s first Major is evidence of that.

Harbour Town, including defending champion Justin Thomas, 2024 winner Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick, who took the title in 2023.

With those along with other huge names in the field, it’s sure to keep the momentum going after the drama at Augusta National last week, but some top players will not be involved.

Here are some star names missing, as well as the alternates list…

withdrew days after missing the cut at The Masters. At the time, players were obligated to play in all but one of the big events, and that became the second he missed that season.

Last year, McIlroy won his first Green Jacket, which completed his career Grand Slam, and he understandably opted to take time off to celebrate that historic achievement.

McIlroy’s withdrawal this year was announced during The Masters, but, like 2025, surely few will begrudge him the chance to bask in that achievement for a few more days.

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Justin Rose, who has also withdrawn, the week offers a chance to take stock of what might have been.

The Englishman led by two during the final round at Augusta National, before letting things slip around Amen Corner on his way to a tie for third.

Following last year’s playoff heartbreak, another near-miss would be hard for anyone to take, and, rather than head to South Carolina for the Signature Event, Rose has opted to give the tournament a miss.

Matsuyama isn’t in the RBC Heritage, as it’s one he usually skips.

He has only played in the event twice in his career, in 2014 and in 2020, when he missed the cut on both occasions.

The Japanese star, who finished T12 at The Masters following a final round of 69, is next expected to tee it up at the fifth Signature Event in the schedule, the Truist Championship, which begins on May 7th at Quail Hollow.

Riviera Country Club event, he finished tied for 34th amid a prolonged loss of form that has seen him drop out of the world’s top 100.

As a result, qualification for the big tournaments is proving hard for the South Korean of late, with the RBC Heritage the latest he will miss.