McIlroy pulls out of latest PGA Tour event just days after Masters nightmare

10 April 2023 , 19:41

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Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage (Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy' s withdrawal from this week's RBC Heritage has been confirmed by the PGA Tour, just days after the Northern Irishman missed the cut at The Masters.

McIlroy headed to Augusta a well-backed favourite, and with his eyes on finally completing the career Grand Slam, nine years on from his last major triumph at The Open Championship. Things did not go to plan for the 33-year-old in Georgia though.

The four-time major winner kicked off his event with a level-par 72 on day one, before ending his week with a disappointing five-over 77 to miss the 36-hole cut by two shots.

In the aftermath of his nightmare weekend McIlroy has since confirmed that he will not be returning to action at Harbour Town Golf Links later this week. No reason for the withdrawal has been cited by the Tour, but his disappointment in Georgia will no doubt have played a part in the decision.

It now remains to be seen as to whether McIlroy's withdrawal will impact his eligibility for Tour's Player Impact Programme (PIP) - which awards players for 'generating positive interest in the PGA Tour'. McIlroy finished second behind poster boy Tiger Woods in the programme in 2022, and was therefore set to collect a whopping $12 million.

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Rory McIlroy missed the cut by two shots at The Masters (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

His eligibility however could well have been effected though following his recent withdrawal. When the PGA Tour announced new plans to fend off the threat of LIV Golf last year, commissioner Jay Monahan announced players wanting to qualify for PIP must commit to play in 12 of the Tour's 13 elevated events.

World No. 3 McIlroy had already used his one opt-out, after not competing Sentry Tournament of Champions earlier this year. His withdrawal at the RBC edges McIlroy over the threshold, but with part-time stalwart Woods taking the top prize in 2021 and 2022, it seems Monahan is comfortable softening the rules.

Joshua Lees