PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan defended Rory McIlroy’s decisions regarding his tournament schedule, acknowledging that players have the freedom to choose their own schedules.
Monahan praised McIlroy’s previous support for PGA Tour events and sponsors, and noted that although he has missed certain major tournaments this season, he has made an exceptional overall contribution to the tour.
However, McIlroy’s decision to focus on the upcoming RBC Canadian Open, despite skipping the Memorial Tournament this week as well as The Sentry and the RBC Heritage earlier in the season, raised some eyebrows. His preference for playing the week before a major championship influenced his choice, especially since the Canadian Open now leads directly into the US Open.
Having recently completed the career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters Tournament, McIlroy’s successful season has been characterised by notable wins at events such as the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Monahan emphasised that McIlroy’s achievements speak for themselves and that his support of PGA Tour tournaments has been invaluable.
