Every season in professional golf tells its own tale, and every shot carries significance. The 2024 FedEx Cup Playoffs, which always test the top golfers, have once again brought unexpected turns. This year, numerous golf stars have failed to qualify for the playoffs, causing a stir in the golfing community.These are not just ordinary players; they are beloved by fans, experienced veterans, and young talents who will be absent this season. Here are the five most surprising golfers who did not make it to the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Rickie Fowler, one of the most vibrant players on the circuit, is noticeably absent from the FedExCup Playoffs. However, this year, he had other priorities. Rickie Fowler did not participate in the Wyndham Championship due to the birth of his second child, Nellie. Fowler’s Instagram post featuring a photo of his growing family radiates their joy. “My Family!! Right where I’m meant to be,” Fowler shared on Instagram.Fowler’s decision to skip the season finale is a departure from his successful career thus far. In 2023, he finished 16th in the FedExCup rankings and secured victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. However, a lackluster 2024 season resulted in him ending the year in 102nd place.
The 2024 season marked the end of an era for Matt Kuchar. Prior to this year, Kuchar had participated in the FedEx Cup Playoffs every year since their inception. His record of 16 consecutive appearances was a testament to his skills on the PGA Tour. But as they say, all streaks must eventually come to an end, and this was the moment.
Kuchar’s only notable performance this year was a tie for 12th place at the RBC Heritage, which was insufficient to secure a spot in the top 70 of the FedExCup Playoffs. Kuchar is currently ranked 113th in the FedEx Cup, and only the top 70 players advance to the three-event playoffs. His final hole on Monday ended with a par on the 18th, prolonging the Wyndham Championship to a Monday finish, much to the disappointment of fans.
Davis Riley, a 27-year-old golfer, is one of the most promising young talents on the PGA Tour. His natural ability to strike the ball and composed demeanor have drawn comparisons to golf’s all-time greats. His victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge 2024 earlier this year seemed to mark the beginning of a superstar career. However, Riley’s journey to the FedEx Cup Playoffs ended there, as he failed to qualify. Riley’s performance throughout the season was characterized by ups and downs, experiencing both triumphs and disappointments. He was unable to maintain consistency in the tournament and finished 72nd in the overall rankings. “I feel like I definitely gave it my all,” said Davis Riley, frowning but unwavering. Reflecting on his year, the golfer remarked, “Yeah, it was a very unusual year.”
Lucas Glover is one of the few players who has experienced the highs and lows of a professional golfer’s life. The 2009 U.S. Open champion and winner of last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship 2023 knows the taste of victory and the bitterness of defeat. However, in 2024, Lucas Glover’s season took a sharp turn in the wrong direction. Despite achieving a hole-in-one in the Wyndham Championship, Glover struggled for most of the season. Six missed cuts in 14 starts left him struggling to regain his form, but his efforts were in vain. Glover finished the season ranked 76th in the FedExCup standings, failing to qualify for the playoffs, which require a top-70 standing.
Nicolai Højgaard, a 23-year-old Danish golfer, is one of the young talents in the golfing world. Having competed on the PGA Tour, Højgaard possesses all the qualities of a future star. However, the 2024 season served as a harsh lesson that even the most gifted players must endure growing pains. Højgaard’s year was filled with opportunities, including a tie for 16th in his first Masters and a solid seventh-place finish at the Olympics. However, inconsistency plagued him, and he failed to maintain a strong performance throughout the season, ultimately ranking 80th in the FedExCup standings, falling outside the playoff cutline. “I haven’t been at my best on the course this year. But I believe I’m on the right path,” said the golfer.
Photo from Rickie Fowler Instagram
