Concern on the PGA Tour over McIlroy’s absence from the FedEx Cup playoffs
Rory McIlroy’s decision not to participate in the first event of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Classic, has raised concerns among PGA Tour officials. This situation could lead to changes in the rules in the future. The world number 2 and current Masters champion took advantage of a loophole in the new playoff format and chose not to play this week. The top 70 in the FedEx Cup qualify for the St. Jude, with the top 50 advancing to the BMW Championship before the top 30 compete for the Tour Championship.Malnati commented that measures are being considered to prevent this from happening again. McIlroy could, if he wished, also skip the BMW and still advance to the final event at East Lake. There are precedents of players who have made this decision, such as Tiger Woods (on two occasions) and Jim Furyk, who have skipped the first playoff event and then won the FedEx Cup Championship. McIlroy hasn’t played since he tied for seventh place at the Open Championship.I am very worried.
Peter Malnati, player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board
