Scottie Scheffler may be the top player on the PGA Tour right now, but Rory McIlroy remains the biggest name.
McIlroy has a way of drawing fans to tournaments and screens like few others in the game. His influence goes well beyond what he does on the course.
He’s a massive part of what keeps the PGA Tour moving, and his popularity is unmatched among fans.
This season, McIlroy has been playing some fantastic golf, with three wins under his belt, including that Masters victory.
And even though Scheffler has had more headlines lately, McIlroy still holds more commercial weight than anyone else in golf. His name carries real value when it comes to bringing in sponsors and deals for the tour.
Since returning home for The Open Championship last month, he seems to have found another gear.
He now looks well-positioned heading into the play-offs as he aims to claim his fourth FedEx Cup title.
Rory McIlroy’s absence highlights a problem for the PGA Tour
After his driver was ruled non-conforming at the PGA Championship, McIlroy seemed less interested in playing competitive golf earlier this season.
He went on a media blackout at Quail Hollow and didn’t speak to reporters after six straight major rounds.
McIlroy felt hard done by, saying his name had been leaked during the driver testing controversy while others remained anonymous.
But since then, the Northern Irishman has played much better and seems to be back on track.
However, there’s still an issue. McIlroy won’t be playing in next week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis.
The official field list was released by the PGA Tour with one very notable omission.
The 36-year-old missing from TPC Southwind means the PGA Tour have made one big mistake.
PGA Tour boss Brian Rolapp needs to address this issue as soon as possible.
Why the PGA Tour may need to rethink their playoff format
The PGA Tour has updated the structure of the Tour Championship this year. The leader in FedEx Cup points will no longer receive a two-shot advantage at the start. Instead, all 30 players will begin at even par, giving everyone an equal shot at the title.
With that change, it’s no surprise McIlroy opted to skip Memphis and take another week off. The system clearly has its issues, and his absence only highlights them further.
LIV Golf fans know that their top players are expected to appear at every event, unless injuries get in the way.
The PGA Tour can’t afford to have its most popular player skip one of just three season-ending tournaments. They need to respond quickly.
One solution could be a rule requiring all top-70 playoff qualifiers to play in the FedEx St. Jude Championship opener.
And with no handicap system anymore at East Lake, players high up in standings might not feel any pressure until then.
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