The idea behind the PGA Tour’s signature events was that with no cut, smaller fields, and huge purses, all of the circuit’s top players would attend.
But Scottie Scheffler skipped the signature Truist Championship prior to the PGA Championship, and the move paid massive dividends as he won at Quail Hollow for his third major title.
Just a few weeks later, another top player in the world appears to be skipping a signature event, most likely because he finds another tournament more favorable.
Rory McIlroy is not listed in the field for the signature Memorial Tournament, which starts next week in Columbus, Ohio.
McIlroy, currently the No. 2 player in the Official World Golf Ranking, previously committed to the RBC Canadian Open outside Toronto.
McIlroy has enjoyed an impressive run north of the border, posting a pair of victories in four starts and he has never finished outside of the top 10. Last year, by virtue of a 64 in the final round, the Northern Irishman finished tied for fourth. This year, the tournament will make its debut at the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
The sponsor’s exemptions for the big-money event are Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker.
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