The Players Championship has seen legendary winners since its inception in 1974, but 2026 will miss some past champions. Tiger Woods, a two-time winner in 2001 and 2013, won't compete. The eligibility he was granted through his 2019 Masters win expired last year and he hasn't qualified through other criterias.
Cameron Smith, winner in 2022, shifted to LIV Golf shortly after his triumphs. His move led to a PGA Tour suspension, barring him from The Players. Similarly, Phil Mickelson, who claimed victory in 2007, joined LIV and faced similar consequences. Despite his 2021 PGA Championship win, he remains absent.
Sergio Garcia, another former champion from 2008, also joined LIV, severing ties with the PGA Tour. Henrik Stenson, who won in 2009, hasn't appeared since 2022 after joining LIV, and despite applying to rejoin the DP World Tour, there's no clear return to The Players.
Also missing are Martin Kaymer, 2014 champion, and Matt Kuchar, winner in 2012, both displaced by changing career paths and form. Webb Simpson's exemption expired in 2024, leaving his 2018 win history without recent participation.