Rory McIlroy's fellow pros weigh in on his strange decision to skip RBC Heritage
Rory McIlroy says LIV Gold Invitational Series players attracted only by money
Rory McIlroy was a leading figure in the players' movement, advocating for designated events and higher prizes for top players on the PGA Tour.
But to many people's surprise, it is McIlroy who is absent from this week's RBC Heritage, one of the $20 million designated events he had campaigned to add to the schedule - in part as a bid to counter the threat of LIV Golf.
Asked about the situation at Hilton Head this week, site of the RBC Heritage, McIlroy's fellow pros admitted it was a messy situation.
"Rules are the rules," Xander Schauffele said, according to Sports Illustrated. "So, I mean, for the most part, a lot of what he wanted is what's happening. And the irony is that he's not here."
This is McIlroy's second missed designated event of the season, and according to SI.com, it will result in him losing $3 million from his Player Impact Program earnings.
"I feel like Rory was leading the charge on the changes that have been made and he helped make the rules," Joel Dahmen said.
"He knew what the rules were. So, he knew what was coming. He also has so much money, he doesn't care about $3 million."
After missing the cut at The Masters last week, McIlroy has decided to skip this week's tournament. Most top players, including the recent Masters champion Jon Rahm, are participating.
"It doesn't matter who you are, that's a ton of money," said Justin Thomas. "All of us knew going into the year what the situation was and what we had to do to get extra X or Y and for him Y is a lot in this situation, finishing second (in the PIP rankings).
"So, it wasn't a surprise to him or any of us it just was kind of where he ended up in the rankings and not playing this week is I guess a consequence."
The reason for McIlroy's absence from the RBC Heritage Open in South Carolina remains unclear, and neither he nor his representatives have commented on the matter.
Some have criticized the PGA Tour's decision to hold one of the new designated events immediately after The Masters.
"It's messy," US Open champ Matt Fitzpatrick said.
"I think in a few years once it's a bit more structured it should be a little better."
