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Rory McIlroy Makes Controversial Decision Ahead of FedEx St. Jude Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 9:01 PM ET

With just three tournaments remaining in the PGA Tour season, the next stop is the FedEx St. Jude Championship next week at TPC Southwind in Tennessee — and it was expected to feature a full field.

However, with no realistic path to overtaking world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the standings, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy has made a business decision to withdraw from the tournament.

His absence won’t affect his standing for the Tour Championship, as he remains securely inside the top 30 — and starting strokes are no longer used to determine placement heading into East Lake within that threshold.

This event marks the first of three postseason tournaments in August that will close out the season. McIlroy is still expected to return for the BMW Championship, which follows St. Jude, before making a run at his fourth FedEx Cup title at the Tour Championship later this month.

❌⛳️ #NEWS — Rory McIlroy elects to skip the PGA TOUR’s 1st Playoff event next week in Memphis. The FedEx St. Jude Championship will go on without the world #2. @TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/j6PzhQxeub
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 1, 2025

While McIlroy’s decision was somewhat expected under the PGA Tour’s updated postseason format, it still stirred controversy among fans — especially given that he had previously committed to play, something he also backed out of earlier this season, drawing similar backlash.

"Rory has got two big for his own boots," a fan said.

Someone else added, "Thank god, can’t stand his constant verbose opinions and whining."

Another person wrote, "going to be a trend going forward if they don’t find a way to fix the playoff format. Besides the cash there’s nothing really to play for."

"The Tour probably should’ve thought of this when they made no difference between finishing 1st and 30th lol," one more fan commented.

There’s a strong chance McIlroy won’t be the only player to take this route. Under the current PGA Tour playoff format, there’s little incentive for those already locked into the top 30 — like McIlroy — to compete in events outside of the Tour Championship.

Aside from the prize money, which holds less weight for a player of McIlroy’s stature, there’s minimal motivation to tee it up. At this point in his career, legacy — not earnings — is the driving force, and his place among the game's greats is already well established.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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