When it was confirmed that Rory McIlroy would be skipping the opening round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, a debate began over whether the World No.2 should be allowed to do it.
He is the only one of 70 eligible players not in the field for this week’s $20 million no-cut FedEx St Jude Championship at TPC Southwind, apparently preferring to save some gas for the remaining Playoff events, the Ryder Cup and his international schedule which will close out the year.
In addition, the Northern Irishman has just banked an extra $10 million as a result of placing second in the FedEx Cup standings and Comcast Business Tour Top 10 to end the regular season.
Those in support have respected McIlroy’s ability – as an independent contractor – to compete when and wherever he wishes while noting his comfortable position near the top of the FedEx Cup standings and a guaranteed place at the Tour Championship.
However, people in the opposite camp believe McIlroy’s absence partially undermines the credibility of the Playoffs and shows a lack of respect to the PGA Tour’s biggest sponsor – one which has put up its usual $100 million in 2025 alone.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
As a member of the latter group, PGA Tour player director, Peter Malnati admitted his disappointment at the five-time Major winner’s call and suggested he will be backing a possible closing of the loophole which enables McIlroy to rock up at the BMW Championship as if nothing has happened.
Asked by Golfweek if Malnati was at all concerned about such a high-profile name choosing to sit out a Playoff tournament, the two-time PGA Tour winner replied: “Very concerned.”
Golfweek then followed up with a question about whether there could be any measures added in the future to stop this kind of scenario from reoccurring, to which Malnati said: “I think there is stuff in the works and I’ll leave it at that.”
As it stands, there are no direct penalties or punishments for McIlroy (or anyone else for that matter) taking a week off during the Playoffs. It may just affect their position in the standings and – as a consequence – their potential finishing position which dictates how much FedEx Cup Playoffs prize money they will earn.
Webb Simpson – another of the PGA Tour’s player directors – also confirmed the subject…
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