Overview

• Rory McIlroy opted out of the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, citing rest and schedule management under the current playoff format loophole.
• With 3,444 FedEx Cup points he remains virtually guaranteed a spot at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.
• Peter Malnati, a PGA Tour Policy Board player director, voiced concern over playoff integrity and hinted at possible enforcement measures.
• Webb Simpson and golf insider Dan Rapaport defended McIlroy’s choice as a strategic use of existing rules to preserve energy.
• The absence has highlighted gaps in the FedEx Cup structure and accelerated discussions on tightening mandatory event requirements.