Rory McIlroy has never been one to shy away from making headlines, but his decision to skip the opening round of the FedEx Cup playoffs has ignited a firestorm of debate across the golf world.

The world No. 2 and reigning Masters champion opted out of the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, citing rest and schedule management. But in doing so, McIlroy may have exposed a loophole in the PGA Tour's playoff format, one that officials are now scrambling to address.

The Grand Slam winner's absence was not unexpected. He had hinted as early as last November that he would likely skip Memphis, noting his poor finish there last year and minimal impact on his playoff standing.

"I finished basically dead last there this year (2024) and only moved down one spot," McIlroy told The Telegraph

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