These golfers, ranging from seasoned Major champions to emerging exciting stars, have struggled to find consistency in the postseason.
Their elimination not only shakes up the 2025 Playoffs but underscores the unpredictable and demanding FedEx Cup race.
Here are 7 big-name players who were eliminated from the PGA Tour postseason at TPC Southwinds.
1. Chris Gotterup
PGA Tour wins: 2, OWGR ranking: 27
Gotterup has had a breakout year on the PGA Tour and is a young rising star with a rate swing and consistent game.
Why a big miss: His two recent PGA Tour wins at the Genesis Scottish Open in 2025 and the Myrtle Beach Classic in 2024. He is a potential Team USA Ryder Cup pick and will be gutted to miss the rest of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and his chance to prove his value.
2. Wyndham Clark
PGA Tour wins: 3, OWGR ranking: 26
Clark made headlines with a breakthrough win at the 2023 U.S. Open and consequently made the Team USA Ryder Cup side that year. His aggressive play
and mental fortitude earned him a world number three OWGR ranking in 2024.
Why a big miss: Despite his recent struggles and falling down the rankings, Clark is a proven Major winner and competitor when the pressure is on. Clark’s absence takes away a player who can make sudden surges up the leaderboard.
3. Shane Lowry
PGA Tour wins: 3, OWGR ranking: 18
Lowry is one of Ireland’s finest golfers, best known for his iconic victory at The Open Championship in 2019, as well as his Team Europe Ryder Cup appearances. He has been a consistent performer and won nine titles across the PGA and European Tour.
Why a big miss: Lowry is a big event player who thrives when the pressure is on, with his years of top-level experience. His major-winning pedigree makes him a natural threat at large events.
4. Aldrich Potgieter
PGA Tour wins: 1, OWGR ranking: 58
The youngest on the list, South African Potgieter, is a promising talent whose PGA Tour leading distance has helped him play aggressive, low-scoring rounds, earning him a first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Rocket Classic.
Why a big miss: He is one of the most aggressive players who can shorten golf courses with long driving off the tee. His elimination robs the playoffs of a fresh contender who can shoot a low 60 round when it matters.
5. Jason Day
PGA Tour wins: 13, OWGR ranking: 35
While not the threat of old, once the world number one and a dominant force in the early 2010s, Day is undoubtedly capable of producing scintillating golf. He won the PGA Championship and has a top-two finish in every Major tournament.
Why a big miss: Day’s competitive fire and history as a Major champion suggest a big performance is never far away. Fans and competitors alike respect him, and his absence rules out a potential Playoff bolter.
6. Jake Knapp
PGA Tour wins: 1, OWGR ranking: 78
Knapp is renowned on Tour for his lightning scoring and knack for stringing together blistering examples of low scoring of the highest level. He made headlines in the 2025 Cognizant Classic with a 59, just the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history.
Why a big miss: The 2024 Mexico Open champion’s ability to build birdie trains is exactly what is needed for Playoff runs. His quality and precision are a significant loss for the FedEx postseason field.
7. Min Woo Lee
PGA Tour wins: 1, OWGR ranking: 46
The Australian star is a fan favourite with his antics that resonate with PGA Tour fans. He has impressively been climbing the ranks with performances on the PGA Tour and abroad, with his admirable distance off the tee for his size. He finally won his maiden PGA Tour event at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open.
Why a big miss: His powerful game and growing confidence could have produced fireworks in the Playoffs. Fans will miss his relatable behaviour and excitement in the remaining 2025 events.
While Cameron Young stole the headlines by winning the Wyndham Championship - his long-awaited, overdue first victory on the PGA Tour - many eyes were on the fascinating sub-plot at Sedgefield Country Club.
Rory McIlroy has elected to skip this week's FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, but his chances of being crowned FedEx Cup champion won't be affected.
Shane Lowry is looking forward to a celebration should he go back-to-back at Royal Portrush, the venue of this week's 153rd Open Championship.
American Chris Gotterup held off Rory McIlroy to claim the Genesis Scottish Open by two shots on Sunday.
