McIlroy Skips Playoff Opener, Plans Busy Fall

Rory McIlroy, second in the FedEx Cup standings after a season highlighted by a Masters win, has confirmed he will skip the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening event of the PGA Tour's playoffs in Memphis, citing his intention to reduce his schedule and last year's poor showing. Despite his absence, McIlroy's strong ranking secures his place in the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship, where the top 30 compete for the FedEx Cup title. He is the only player in the top 70 skipping the playoff opener, but his position is not expected to be impacted. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off an Open Championship win, will headline the St. Jude event. McIlroy plans to participate in the Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup in New York following the playoffs. The revised playoff format allows top players more flexibility in their schedules.