The Barracuda Championship is one of the most unique and closely watched events on the PGA Tour. Known for its modified Stableford scoring format, the tournament attracts golfers who enjoy high-risk, high-reward play. In 2025, Barracuda Championship Golfers Withdraw from the event drew significant attention, sparking discussions across golf media and fan communities.
In this article, we provide a complete overview of the withdrawals, the reasons behind them, and their impact on the tournament. We also explore how the event’s unique format and scheduling influence player decisions and what it means for the future of the Barracuda Championship.
What Is the Barracuda Championship?
The Barracuda Championship is played annually at the Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California. Unlike traditional stroke play events, it uses a modified Stableford scoring system, awarding points for birdies, eagles, and other scoring achievements. This format encourages aggressive play and creates dynamic leaderboard changes throughout the tournament.
The event is usually scheduled opposite a major championship, often The Open, which affects who participates. Many top players choose to focus on preparing for the major, leaving the Barracuda Championship field with rising stars, mid-tier professionals, and those looking for exemptions and ranking points.
Confirmed Withdrawals in 2025
Several players withdrew during the 2025 Barracuda Championship, each with different reasons and circumstances.
Ben Kohles
Ben Kohles withdrew after the first round of the tournament. At the time, he was performing well and was positioned at 4-under par under the Stableford scoring system. The PGA Tour did not provide an official reason for his withdrawal, leading to speculation about possible personal, strategic, or physical considerations.
Garrick Higgo
Garrick Higgo withdrew during the second round due to a hip injury. The mid-tournament withdrawal highlights how physical strain can impact participation, even for highly skilled golfers competing at a professional level.
Notable Non-Participation Cases
Not all withdrawals occur mid-tournament. Some golfers decline participation for strategic or personal reasons.
Grant Horvat
YouTube golf influencer Grant Horvat declined to participate after learning that PGA Tour rules did not allow him to film his rounds. Horvat has a significant online following and cited content creation restrictions as his reason for not competing. This situation highlights how media rights and content restrictions can influence player decisions.
Reasons Players Withdraw or Opt Out
There are multiple reasons why golfers may withdraw from or choose not to participate in the Barracuda Championship:
Scheduling Conflicts
The Barracuda Championship often coincides with major events like The Open. Top-ranked golfers may prioritize preparing for the major, leading to lower participation in the Barracuda Championship.
Injury and Health Concerns
Injuries are a common reason for withdrawals. Garrick Higgo’s hip injury is a clear example of how physical conditions can force a player to exit mid-event.
Personal or Strategic Decisions
Players sometimes make withdrawals based on fatigue, travel considerations, or upcoming tournaments. Ben Kohles’ unexplained withdrawal could be due to any of these factors.
Media and Content Restrictions
Grant Horvat’s decision reflects the increasing role of digital content in professional golf. Restrictions on filming can influence a player’s choice to participate, particularly for those who rely on audience engagement and sponsorship through social media.
Impact on the Tournament
Withdrawals have several effects on the Barracuda Championship:
Field Adjustments
When players withdraw, alternate professionals are often called to fill the field. This creates opportunities for less-established players to compete and make a name for themselves.
Competitive Dynamics
Withdrawals can alter the competitive landscape. The absence of strong or popular players may give remaining participants a better chance to compete for the title. In 2025, Ryan Gerard took advantage of the opportunity and won the championship, showcasing the tournament’s ability to create new stars.
Fan and Media Interest
While some fans may be disappointed by the absence of high-profile golfers, the Barracuda Championship’s unique format and emerging talent still generate excitement. The tournament remains a platform for underdog stories and dynamic gameplay.
Broader Themes in Player Withdrawals
The 2025 Barracuda Championship highlighted larger trends in professional golf:
Media Rights and Digital Content
The Horvat situation illustrates the growing tension between traditional broadcasting rights and digital content creation. Golfers with significant online presence are increasingly considering content accessibility in their tournament decisions.
Tournament Participation and Field Strength
Withdrawals due to scheduling or strategic considerations influence the overall strength of the tournament field. This can affect sponsorship, media coverage, and fan engagement, especially when events occur during major championships.
Future Outlook for the Barracuda Championship
The Barracuda Championship faces potential changes in the near future. Reports suggest that the title sponsor may not renew its contract after 2025. While the Stableford format attracts attention, the tournament’s long-term sustainability may depend on sponsorship, player participation, and media adaptation.
Despite uncertainties, the Barracuda Championship continues to provide opportunities for emerging players and offers fans an exciting, fast-paced alternative to traditional PGA Tour events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Did Barracuda Championship Golfers Withdraw in 2025?
Several golfers withdrew from the Barracuda Championship in 2025 due to a variety of reasons, including injuries, scheduling conflicts with major championships, personal decisions, and media restrictions. Notable withdrawals included Ben Kohles, who left after the first round, and Garrick Higgo, who withdrew during the second round due to a hip injury.
2. Who Were the Golfers That Withdrew from the Barracuda Championship?
The main withdrawals in 2025 were Ben Kohles and Garrick Higgo. Additionally, YouTube golfer Grant Horvat declined to participate due to media restrictions, although he never officially started the event.
3. How Do Withdrawals Affect the Barracuda Championship?
Withdrawals can impact the tournament field, giving alternate or lower-ranked players a chance to compete. They also affect competitive dynamics and fan interest but can create opportunities for emerging golfers to make a name for themselves.
4. What Makes the Barracuda Championship Different from Other PGA Tour Events?
The Barracuda Championship uses a modified Stableford scoring system, which rewards aggressive play rather than just the lowest strokes. This format, combined with its scheduling opposite major championships, makes it a unique stop on the PGA Tour.
5. Could Player Withdrawals Affect the Future of the Barracuda Championship?
Yes, repeated withdrawals and scheduling conflicts can influence sponsorship, tournament popularity, and media coverage. While the Barracuda Championship remains exciting, future participation depends on player interest and sponsor support.
