Webb Simpson has spoken out in defence of Rory McIlroy following the Northern Irishman's decision to skip the opening leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, standing firm on the principle that PGA Tour players should retain the freedom to manage their own schedules.
McIlroy’s absence from the St Jude Championship in Memphis raised some eyebrows this week, particularly among fans and even some figures on the PGA Tour board.
However, Simpson, himself a player director on the Tour Policy Board, doesn't see the move as a cause for concern.
"I think it's too hard of a thing to make guys have to play," Simpson told GolfWeek. "We're still a sport where you can play when you want to play."
Rory McIlroy recently split opinion with his decision to skip the FedEx Cup Playoffs
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McIlroy, who previously indicated he would limit his appearances during the FedEx Cup Playoffs, appears to be following through with a well-considered plan to reduce his workload - especially given his solid standing.
With his third-place ranking in the standings, he’s unlikely to drop outside the crucial top 50 and top 30 thresholds that determine eligibility for the next two playoff events.
Simpson compared McIlroy’s decision to his own in 2020, when he skipped the BMW Championship while sitting third in the standings.
The aim was to rest and reset ahead of the Tour Championship.
"I knew I couldn't fall more than one spot, and I thought losing one stroke at East Lake was worth a week of rest because I was toast," Simpson explained. "I don't know Rory's reason, but I totally get it. It's a hard thing to fix."
Historically, other high-profile players such as Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood have also missed playoff events without facing consequences - something Simpson suggests should continue to be permitted.
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Webb Simpson has spoken out in defence of Rory McIlroy following the Northern Irishman's decision to skip the opening leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, standing firm on the principle that PGA Tour players should retain the freedom to manage their own schedules
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Still, not everyone agrees.
Fellow board member Peter Malnati recently voiced concern over McIlroy’s absence, warning that rule changes could be on the horizon.
“I’m very concerned,” Malnati said, hinting that discussions around potential policy changes were already “in the works,” though he declined to offer specifics.
McIlroy has already had an outstanding season, racking up three victories, including his long-awaited triumph at The Masters in April, which marked his fifth career major.
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Rory McIlroy has blown hot and cold since winning the Masters earlier in the year
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That win elevated him into an elite group of golfers with five majors, putting him closer to the legends of the game.
With 29 career wins on the PGA Tour, McIlroy remains one of the sport’s most dominant figures.