3 leading golf stars missing from the 2026 WM Phoenix Open’s $9.6 Million Field

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is ready to be held at TPC Scottsdale from February 2 to 8, with defending champion Thomas Detry and betting favorite Scottie Scheffler leading a star-studded field. At golf's wildest location, where elite competition meets an unparalleled atmosphere, the $9.6 million prize and 500 FedExCup points are up for play. Once again, top-tier talent is ready to take on the stadium-like 16th hole at the People's Open.As Scheffler aims for his third Phoenix title and Brooks Koepka joins in his second PGA Tour event since returning, three European major champions have noticeably opted out of the event. Their nonparticipation in the confirmed lineup opens doors for others to secure one of golf’s most prestigious trophies before the West Coast Swing wraps up. Let’s review the names of those who will not be present at the event.Justin Rose put on one of the best performances of the early 2026 PGA Tour season. He won the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines by seven shots and finished with a score of 23-under 265, breaking the tournament scoring record held by Tiger Woods and George Burns. Rose's win was his second at this event and his 13th overall on the PGA Tour. It showed that even at 45, he remains a significant player in powerful fields. Rose's name is not on the official WM Phoenix Open 2026 field list, despite being in top form. This suggests that while other players compete for the $9.6 million prize, one of the season's best winners will not be participating.In January of 2026, the five-time major champion from Northern Ireland was competing in the Dubai Invitational against some of Europe’s top players. After that, he concentrated on the most important season’s marquee stretch. McIlroy remained in the running deep into the week, proving that he is a top-tier competitor even when he’s not in the U.S. Despite spending a long time in the top 10 in the world rankings, McIlroy is not listed in the official 2026 WM Phoenix Open field. Shane Lowry started his 2026 season in the Middle East at the Dubai Invitational. He previously won the Open in 2019. He was in the running right up until the very end. Lowry was in the lead for a short time at the end, but an expensive mistake at the last hole caused him to crash to the bottom of the scoreboard in a dramatic finish. Lowry’s name is also not on the official 2026 WM Phoenix Open field list, which means that another major-winning European will miss out on Scottsdale's vibrant scene. However, the best players on the PGA Tour try to build up early-season momentum.Apparently, Scottie Scheffler is in line for a third WM Phoenix Open championship, and Brooks Koepka is returning on the PGA Tour. Fans are still speculating which major champion they will miss the most during the chaos on the 16th hole. since Rose, McIlroy, and Lowry are all in great form.