This week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis is kicking off, but one big name will be noticeably missing: Rory McIlroy.
The four-time major winner and world No. 2 has decided not to compete, leaving some of his fellow players worried about what his absence means for the playoffs’ legitimacy.
McIlroy Skips the Memphis Event Despite Being Eligible
Rory McIlroy, who’s already made a huge impact on the PGA Tour this season, won’t be teeing off at TPC Southwind for the St. Jude Championship.
It’s the only playoff event named after the FedEx Cup’s top sponsor, and yet McIlroy is the sole eligible player choosing not to show up.
His decision to skip this event marks the third time he’s passed on a tournament this season, which has sparked concern among his competitors.
Fellow Player Peter Malnati Voices His Concern
Peter Malnati, a fellow PGA Tour player and Policy Board member, told Golf Week he’s “very concerned” about McIlroy sitting out such a key part of the playoffs.
The worry is that missing these tournaments could affect how seriously the playoffs are taken by fans and players alike.
McIlroy’s Strong Lead in the FedEx Cup Standings Gives Him Flexibility
The good news for McIlroy is that he’s built such a solid lead in the FedEx Cup standings that missing this event doesn’t jeopardize his chances in the playoffs.
Sitting second behind Scottie Scheffler, he holds a comfortable 849-point advantage over the third-place player, Sepp Straka.
The playoff format’s progressive cut means McIlroy is virtually guaranteed to move on to next week’s BMW Championship in Maryland—and then, if he stays in the top 30, the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Past Experience Shows McIlroy Can Skip Events Without Major Penalty
McIlroy isn’t new to skipping playoff events. Last year, he played the St. Jude Championship but finished near the bottom, and he barely dropped in the standings.
“I finished basically dead last there this year and only moved down one spot,” McIlroy said in 2024, showing how little a poor or missed performance can hurt him in the current system.
McIlroy’s Success This Year Eases Pressure to Play Every Event
With $10 million earned already this year thanks to his Masters victory and other strong showings, McIlroy has financial security that allows him some freedom in choosing his schedule.
That flexibility is partly why he can afford to skip a playoff leg without panic.
PGA Tour Officials Consider Possible Changes to the Format
Malnati hinted to Golf Week that the Tour is thinking about tightening rules to prevent players from skipping playoff events too freely.
“There is stuff in the works and I’ll leave it at that,” he said, hinting at potential changes that might require more participation.
Some Players Doubt Mandatory Participation Is Feasible
However, not everyone on the Policy Board agrees.
Webb Simpson told Golf Week that forcing players to compete isn’t straightforward.
“We’re still a sport where you can play when you want to play,” Simpson said.
“I think it’s too hard of a thing to make guys have to play.”
FedEx St. Jude Championship Kicks Off With Big Prize Money on the Line
The tournament officially starts this Thursday, with $20 million in total prize money up for grabs.
Even without McIlroy in the field, the competition promises to be fierce as players battle to improve their standings and push toward the Tour Championship.