Rory McIlroy Discloses Real Reason for Sitting Out Playoff Opener

Newsweek

4 days ago

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After Justin Rose's dramatic playoff win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship last week, the PGA Tour's postseason now shifts to Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland for the BMW Championship.
During the first playoff, one storyline that dominated headlines was Rory McIlroy's absence at the opener in Memphis. The grand slam winner was the only eligible player who chose not to compete at TPC Southwind and remained silent until Wednesday.
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 20: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the third green during day four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in...
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 20: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the third green during day four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by) More
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One day before teeing off at the BMW Championship, the World No. 2 addressed the controversy head-on.
"There's been a lot of discourse about should these playoffs be mandatory," McIlroy told reporters during the pre-tournament press conference. "Obviously I didn't play last week, and is that something they need to look at?"
McIlroy went on to suggest a revamped playoff format, one that resets points after each leg to create true elimination rounds.
"I've heard this idea kicked around, where everything resets after Wyndham and then the top 70 just play for the top 50 spots to get into the next week, and then everything resets again here, and then the top 30 from this week then make it to the Tour Championship," he explained as quoted. "If you want to try to make it straight playoffs and elimination, I think that would be a good way to go."
Still, the Northern Irishman made it clear that even with stricter rules, he would've skipped Memphis.
"I'm playing nine more events this year, including trips to the United Kingdom, India, Dubai and Australia," he stated during the same conference. "That extra week off will do me good with the events coming up."
At 36, McIlroy emphasized the importance of managing his schedule and body, especially with the Ryder Cup and Race to Dubai title chase looming.
"A lot of the guys aren't 18 years into their professional careers, either," he added. "I feel like I'm in a little bit of a different position than some of the guys."
Despite the absence during the opening playoff event, McIlroy held firm at No. 2 in the FedExCup standings and remains a favorite to contend at East Lake next week.
He'll tee off Thursday at 11:16 a.m. ET alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, marking his first competitive round since finishing T7 at The Open Championship.
Meanwhile, defending BMW champion Keegan Bradley returns to Caves Valley hoping to replicate his win last year and secure a Ryder Cup spot. With only 49 players in the field following Sepp Straka's withdrawal, every shot this week carries weight.
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