Concern on the PGA Tour over Rory McIlroy’s decision
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 in this week’s event. 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.McIlroy, if he wished, could also skip the BMW and still advance to the final event at East Lake, where all competitors will start at par this year, after a change in the format. There are precedents. Tiger Woods (twice) and Jim Furyk have skipped 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 worried. I think there are things in the works to prevent this from happening again and I will leave it at that.
Peter Malnati, Player Director on the PGA Tour Policy Board
