PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has defended Rory McIlroy's decision to skip this week's Memorial Tournament, emphasising players' scheduling flexibility.
The golfer recently raised eyebrows by turning down the chance to play, having done so every year since 2017.
However, Monahan has no issue with McIlroy's decision and insists he's well within his right to decide his calendar.
"The beauty of our model is that our players have the ability to select their schedule," Monahan said.
Rory McIlroy won't be playing at The Memorial this week
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The commissioner praised McIlroy's tournament support over the years, too.
"What Rory McIlroy has done, I think he's played in this tournament every year since 2017," he added.
"And you look at the tournaments that he's supported. I don't have any concern, because you look at this on balance over time, his support of our tournaments and our partners is extraordinary."
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PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has defended Rory McIlroy's decision to skip this week's Memorial Tournament, emphasising players' scheduling flexibility
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McIlroy's absence from Muirfield Village has turned heads, marking the first time in nine years he has skipped the Memorial Tournament.
The Northern Irishman has been a mainstay at nearly every significant tournament on tour for more than a decade.
In the post-Tiger Woods era, the five-time major champion took up the mantle of being the face of the PGA Tour. This included initially digging his heels in against LIV Golf upon its emergence in 2022.
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Even Jack Nicklaus acknowledged he was surprised to hear of McIlroy's decision earlier this week, though he made it clear it was his choice to make and he does not hold it against him.
McIlroy's recent form has been concerning since completing the Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters Tournament in dramatic fashion in April.
He has made three starts since then: the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Truist Championship and the PGA Championship.
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The PGA Championship proved to be his worst performance of the year, finishing tied for 47th after barely making the cut.
During that tournament, it was revealed that McIlroy's driver failed USGA random testing, forcing the 36-year-old to switch out heads before teeing off.
McIlroy then opted not to speak to the media following all four rounds, bringing its own set of criticism from fans. Nicklaus said he always felt it prudent to speak to the media.
Rory McIlroy has struggled for consistency ever since winning the Masters back in April
PA
The 36-year-old is slated to play in next week's RBC Canadian Open.
He has always preferred playing the week before a major, and with the U.S. Open at Oakmont on tap in two weeks, this scheduling preference may explain his decision to sit out the Memorial.
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