Each year, the PGA Tour hosts eight signature events, bringing together the sport’s top professionals. Many players like Erik Van Rooyen crave to participate in the Tour’s signature events, but Rory McIlroy has taken a different approach.

The green jacket winner has already skipped twi signature events this season. Well, guess what? Now, he’s set to miss another.

On Friday evening, it was confirmed that Rory McIlroy will skip the Memorial Tournament, scheduled for May 29–June 1.

This marks the first time in eight years that McIlroy will miss Jack Nicklaus’s prestigious event.

Rory McIlroy’s decision before U.S. Open has raised eyebrows

Since 2017, McIlroy has made a consistent presence at Muirfield Village. However, following his disappointing performance at the PGA Championship, where he finished T47 with a three-over-par score, he has now decided to step back.

McIlroy also skipped media duties throughout the week, drawing criticism, and was caught in the USGA’s driver testing controversy, which forced him to switch clubs leading up to the tournament.

Despite speculation, McIlroy has remained silent, offering no official explanation for his absence from the Golden Bear’s event.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time McIlroy has opted out of key tournaments.

Two years ago, the 36-year-old skipped the RBC Heritage, the week after the Masters, which cost him a $3 million penalty.

Later, reflecting on his decision, McIlroy stated, “It was an easy decision, but I felt like if that fine or whatever is to happen was worth that for me in order to get some things in place.”

He further explained, “I had my reasons to not play Hilton Head, and I’ve expressed those to Jay.”

McIlroy’s decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some expressed concern, others mocked the Masters winner for skipping yet another high-profile event. Thankfully for the Northern Irishman, appearances at the Signature Events are no longer mandatory.

Meanwhile, the Memorial Tournament will still feature a stacked field, including:

• Scottie Scheffler (recent PGA Championship winner who will look forward to defending his title)
• Max Homa
• Ludvig Åberg
• Collin Morikawa
• Xander Schauffele
• Adam Scott
• Shane Lowry
• Justin Thomas
• Jordan Spieth (exemption)
• Rickie Fowler (exemption)

According to PGA Tour Communications, the final field will be confirmed following the Charles Schwab Challenge.

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