Concern on the PGA Tour Regarding Rory 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 Championship, has generated great concern among PGA Tour officials. This situation could lead to changes in the tournament 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 compete this week. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup qualify for the St. Jude Championship, with the top 50 advancing to the BMW Championship, before the top 30 compete for the Tour Championship.McIlroy, if he wishes, could also skip the BMW Championship and still qualify for the final event at East Lake, where all competitors will start at par this year, following the format change. There are precedents. Tiger Woods (on two occasions) and Jim Furyk have missed the first playoff event and won the FedEx Cup Championship. McIlroy hasn’t played since he tied for seventh place at the Open Championship.“I am very concerned,” stated Peter Malnati, player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, referring to a top player’s decision not to participate in a FedEx Cup playoff event. “I think there is work in progress to prevent this from happening again, and I will leave it at that.”
Peter Malnati
