Why isn’t Rory McIlroy playing in the FedEx St. Jude Classic?

Rory McIlroy is skipping the FedEx St. Jude Classic this week, and it’s left some at the PGA Tour gritting their teeth.

The world No. 2 and current Masters champion has used a quirk in the playoff format to sit out the first event of the FedEx Cup postseason. Despite qualifying easily (he’s No. 2 in the standings), he’s opted not to tee it up in Memphis.

When will McIlroy play next?

Instead, he’s gambling that his points cushion will carry him to the BMW Championship – and probably even to East Lake for the Tour Championship – without swinging a club.

McIlroy hasn’t offered an official explanation. He hasn’t played since finishing T-7 at the Open, and frankly, he may just want a break. He’s got a green jacket now, and the pressure of another playoff run might not top his list. But I’d argue it’s also about sending a message: the current format allows elite players to treat early playoff events like optional tune-ups. And Rory’s the type of guy who’ll test that system.

Will the PGA Tour change the rules?

Rule change is definitely a possibility. Peter Malnati, a player-director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, said he’s “very concerned” and hinted that changes are already being considered. You can’t have the biggest names ghosting the playoffs. Tiger Woods did it twice and still won the FedEx Cup. So did Jim Furyk. Rory’s not breaking new ground here, but he may force a rewrite.

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