Rory McIlroy has raised eyebrows across the golf world by choosing not to participate in the 2025 Memorial Tournament—his first absence from the event in eight years. Known for being one of the PGA Tour’s signature events and hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the Memorial has long been a fixture on McIlroy’s calendar. But his name was notably missing from this year’s entry list at Muirfield Village Golf Club, fueling both speculation and criticism.
McIlroy had previously stated he wanted to scale back his tournament schedule, aiming to cut down from over 20 events per year to closer to 18. At 35, he acknowledged the physical toll of constant competition and expressed a desire to prioritize events that matter most to him—such as key DP World Tour events in the Middle East and marquee stops like Wentworth, the Irish Open, and the Scottish Open.
This recent decision follows another skipped event: the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas. With the U.S. Open at Oakmont just two weeks away, some believe he’s using this period to rest and refocus after a disappointing showing at the PGA Championship, where he finished tied for 47th—his worst performance this season.
Though he’s opting out of the Memorial, McIlroy is set to return for the RBC Canadian Open from June 5–8. The tournament has historically been favorable to him; he’s played in four recent editions, winning twice and placing in the top 10 the other two times. It’s a familiar ground that could help him build momentum going into the third major of the year.
Despite his reasoning, McIlroy’s decision hasn’t sat well with some fans. Many were disappointed to see a top player skip an event so closely associated with Jack Nicklaus, whom many consider one of golf’s greatest ambassadors. For some, it felt like a slight toward the tradition and prestige of the tournament.
Additionally, this marks the third signature event McIlroy has missed this season. Along with the Memorial, he skipped the season-opening Sentry Tournament and the RBC Heritage shortly after his Masters victory. While he has had strong finishes in other signature events—like a win at Pebble Beach and a top-10 at the Truist Championship—his selective participation has sparked debate.
Some fans defended his choices, recognizing the need for recovery and smart scheduling to extend his career. Others, however, accused him of being soft or prioritizing international exposure over PGA Tour loyalty. One pointed out the irony of skipping a U.S.-based event for an appearance in Canada, even suggesting he might be leaning toward a LIV Golf-style international itinerary—though that remains purely speculative.
As the U.S. Open approaches, McIlroy’s recent decisions continue to stir discussion about athlete workload, legacy, and how best to balance performance with longevity. Whether his strategy pays off remains to be seen on the greens of Oakmont.