In a shocking twist that could reshape the dynamics of the PGA Tour playoffs, Rory McIlroy’s decision to sit out the FedEx St. Jude Championship is sending ripples through the golfing world. With the specter of a mass exodus looming over the tournament, fans and insiders alike are bracing for the possibility of a domino effect among top players.
The 2025 season has already seen its fair share of player withdrawals, notably at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where over a dozen stars opted out. Compounding the tension, recent weather delays have only added to the frustration of golf enthusiasts. Now, with the FedEx St. Jude Championship and BMW Championship on the horizon—each boasting a hefty $20 million purse—McIlroy’s absence could signal a worrying trend.
Underdog Golf broke the news on social media, stating, “Rory McIlroy not playing next week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.” The announcement sparked immediate reactions, with golf journalist Dan Rapaport suggesting a strategic maneuver by McIlroy. Rapaport speculated that the new Tour Championship format, which resets points before East Lake, has given McIlroy the confidence to skip the Memphis heat and stay fresh for the final rounds in Baltimore. His tweet underscored the likelihood of this becoming a trend among other players aware of their standings.
Despite McIlroy’s commanding lead in the FedEx Cup playoff standings, his decision might inspire others to prioritize rest over participation. This isn’t the first time McIlroy has set such a precedent; his earlier withdrawal from the 2025 RBC Canadian Open saw several golfers follow suit, citing various reasons. This pattern leaves many questioning whether the golfing elite will continue to bow out from pivotal events.
Back in November 2024, McIlroy had already hinted at a scaled-back schedule for the 2025 season. His absence from several key tournaments, including the WM Phoenix Open and RBC Heritage, has been a strategic choice. “I’ll probably not play the first play-off event in Memphis,” McIlroy stated, referencing his poor performance there in 2024. With a comfortable lead and no wins at the St. Jude, McIlroy’s decision seems calculated.
As McIlroy gears up for the playoffs’ second round in Baltimore, the question remains: will his strategy pay off, or will it trigger a larger trend of player withdrawals? The golf community is eager to see how these developments unfold and whether McIlroy’s move will indeed influence his peers to skip crucial playoff events.
