Rory McIlroy avoids $3M fine for skipping event | Sports News

Back-to-back Masters winner Rory McIlroy is bypassing the RBC Heritage this yr, however will not face the $3 million penalty he was handed in 2023 on account of a PGA Tour rule modification.

McIlroy turned the fourth participant in historical past to win consecutive Green Jackets on Sunday, and the primary since Tiger Woods in 2002. However, he drew criticism for lacking occasions within the lead-up to the Masters, as a substitute using his privileges as a champion to play a number of rounds at Augusta National.

The strategy labored as McIlroy edged Scottie Scheffler by one stroke to secure his sixth main championship and savor victory at Augusta as soon as more. He has chosen to not compete within the RBC Heritage and hasn’t participated within the event since 2020.

McIlroy usually bypasses the RBC Heritage, and did so final yr to relaxation after an emotional triumph on the Masters. However, in 2023, his resolution resulted in a $3 million penalty.

The withdrawal in 2023 occurred after McIlroy missed the cut on the Masters, however on the time, PGA Tour rules prohibited gamers from skipping two signature occasions in a given yr. The fine was a substantial one for McIlroy, however the guidelines have since been revised.

Now, PGA Tour rules allow gamers to sit down out a competitors with out penalty. McIlroy has already skipped a number of occasions this yr, significantly within the run-up to the Masters, as he centered on enjoying at Augusta, whereas additionally recovering from a back harm. Speaking forward of the 2026 Masters, McIlroy mentioned: “I honestly just don’t like the three tournaments leading up to this event. I’d rather come up here [Augusta National].

“I did a couple of days the place I dropped [daughter] Poppy to high school, flew up right here, performed, landed back home, and had dinner with Poppy and [wife] Erica. I did a couple of day journeys like that the place I felt it was a higher use of my time than going to Houston or San Antonio.”

Rather than competing in the lead-up tournaments, McIlroy opted to fly his private jet to Augusta National, logging valuable practice time on the course before heading back home each evening. While his preparation clearly paid off as he dominated the Masters, McIlroy credited golf legend Jack Nicklaus with inspiring the approach.

“I joked final week that this place seems like my home course,” McIlroy said before leaving Augusta. “I have never performed wherever else within the final two or three weeks, actually. I felt ready in that means.

“I felt prepared that wherever I hit it on the golf course, I sort of know what to do. I know where to miss. I’m pretty comfortable with all the shots around the greens. It’s a good blueprint. I’m not going to take three weeks off before every major, but to get to the major venues early, do your preparation, play.

“And not simply play and have a look at issues, however really play. Go on the market with one ball, shoot a rating, and attempt to do it that means. When I’ve talked to Jack Nicklaus over time, how he ready for majors, he would go the week earlier than, and he would simulate a event.

“He’d play one ball for four days, shoot scores. So then, when he got to the tournament, it felt second nature to him. I did a little bit of that, and I think that’s certainly a good way to prepare going into the next majors.”