Rory McIlroy wil skip this year’s Memorial Tournament, breaking his streak of appearances since 2017. The event, hosted by Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village, is one of the PGA Tour’s biggest stops. This year’s tournament, starting May 29, features 43 of the world’s top 50 golfers—but McIlroy won’t be among them.
McIlroy Chooses Canada Over Nicklaus’ Tournament
McIlroy’s decision to skip the Memorial Tournament comes after a rough week at the PGA Championship. He finished outside the top 40 and avoided speaking to the media throughout the event. Things got worse when officials ruled his driver didn’t meet standards, forcing him to switch clubs mid-tournament. His struggles and silence drew criticism.
Earlier this year, McIlroy sought advice from Jack Nicklaus before his Masters win, and skipping Nicklaus’ tournament has caught many by surprise. Golf outlet NUCLR shared the news on X:
“🚨❌🗓️ #SITTING OUT — Rory McIlroy elects to skip next week’s Memorial Tournament for the 1st time since 2017. He is scheduled to play in Canada the week prior to the U.S. Open instead.”
Despite his Masters triumph, McIlroy is passing on the Memorial Tournament. It has been speculated that he made the decision to balance his packed schedule and to focus on the Canadian Open and the Travelers Championship, with the U.S. Open sandwiched between them. While some fans understand the need to pace himself, others have questioned why he decided to skip Nicklaus’ prestigious event.
Fans Turn on McIlroy For Skipping Tournament
McIlroy’s PGA Championship performance disappointed fans. He barely made the cut and finished tied for 47th. The disappointing performance followed his emotional Masters win in April, where he ended a 10-year major drought and completed the career Grand Slam. While fans understood the letdown after such a high, skipping Nicklaus’ event has sparked backlash.
One fan described the move as a “bad move,” venting his frustration after the World No. 2 decided to skip the tournament. “The USA share of the world golf market is 55%. Canada is around 14%. So, I use to like Rory, but this is a real slap in the face to the largest consumers of golf equipment and PGA venues etc. Bad move. USA majors won 285. Ireland 11. F em.”
“March: Rory asks Jack Nicklaus for help with strategy at Augusta National
April: Rory wins the Masters and the career Grand Slam
May: Rory bails on Jack Nicklaus’ tournament, the year Jack’s wife is being honored, and, who knows, maybe the last one with Jack in attendance,” a fan posted on X.
“Scottie skipping the Truist is one thing. But skipping Jack’s tournament is very disappointing to see,” another fan posted.
Another fan advised the Northern Irishman to work on his character after he refused to speak to the media at The Open Championship. I think fewer and fewer people tune in to see him anymore. Dude’s got character issues he needs to work out.”
Whether McIlroy’s absence will impact his momentum heading into the Canadian Open and the U.S. Open remains to be seen, but the decision has undoubtedly added tension between the reigning Masters champion and a vocal segment of the golf world.
Main Photo Credit: © Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
