Rory McIlroy‘s determination to skip the opening occasion of the FedEx Cup Playoffs has sparked concern amongst PGA Tour management, because the construction of the postseason comes underneath scrutiny.
The reigning Masters champion, at the moment ranked second within the FedEx Cup standings, has opted to not compete on this week’s St. Jude Championship in Memphis, regardless of boasting 3444 FedEx Cup factors.
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He is properly behind Scottie Scheffler‘s 4806 however comfortably forward of third-placed Sepp Straka (2595) and his absence from the primary leg of the three-event playoff has stirred debate over the format’s effectiveness.
It uncovered the dearth of deterrents for high-ranked gamers selecting to not take part and the Tour’s present Coverage Board member, Peter Malnati, expressed critical concern in regards to the state of affairs.
While McIlroy himself had hinted at skipping the occasion as early as November final 12 months, citing his poor end in 2024 on the similar match and lack of incentive to hassle.
“I imply, I completed principally lifeless final there this 12 months,” McIlroy advised The Telegraph in 2024. “And solely moved down one spot within the playoff standings.”
What’s the new format as McIlroy skips FedEx Cup?
The Prime 50 gamers from the St. Jude Championship will advance to subsequent week’s BMW Championship, with the Prime 30 after that occasion having the honour of transferring on to the Tour Championship.
Beneath 2025’s revised format, all 30 gamers within the closing occasion will start on even par, which will likely be eliminating the staggered-start system beforehand used and giving every golfer an equal probability to win the FedEx Cup.
This variation might additional scale back incentives for gamers in robust positions to compete in all three occasions as McIlroy, who has already secured $10 million in regular-season bonus earnings, won’t endure a big aggressive drawback even when he additionally skips the BMW Championship.
The winner of every playoff occasion receives $3.6 million, whereas the Tour Championship winner is awarded $10 million.
For critics, McIlroy‘s determination underscores the necessity to re-evaluate the playoff construction. With out significant penalties for opting out, elite gamers might more and more select relaxation over competitors, diminishing the status of key occasions and doubtlessly weakening fan engagement.
As discussions proceed behind the scenes, the PGA Tour might quickly be pressured to rethink the way it incentivizes participation from its prime stars, particularly throughout its most high-profile stretch of the season.
The place to Watch FedEx Cup within the USA?
The 2025 FedExCup Playoffs will likely be broadcast throughout NBC platforms within the U.S., with NBC airing weekend protection of all three occasions: the St. Jude Championship, BMW Championship, and Tour Championship.
Early rounds and supplemental protection will likely be proven on Golf Channel. Followers can stream all motion reside through Peacock Premium. Moreover, PGA Tour Stay on ESPN+ will characteristic chosen teams and holes throughout earlier rounds.
SiriusXM will present reside radio broadcasts. This 12 months marks NBC’s rotation to cowl the playoffs underneath the PGA Tour’s alternating media rights settlement with CBS, which resumes its protection in 2026.
