Rory McIlroy has opted to skip the RBC Heritage tournament at Harbour Town, passing up the chance to win £2.6 million just days after his Masters victory. The Northern Irish golfer, who earned £3.36 million for his second Augusta title, faces a combined US and UK tax bill of approximately £1.2 million on his winnings, leaving him with a net take-home of around £2.16 million.
McIlroy’s decision to withdraw from the signature event continues a pattern seen after previous major wins. He also skipped the RBC Heritage in 2025 following his Masters triumph and in 2023 after a disappointing missed cut. The 36-year-old cited a need for a “mental reset” and time to celebrate his achievement rather than returning to competitive play immediately.
The RBC Heritage is one of the PGA Tour’s most lucrative regular-season events, with a top prize of £2.6 million. However, since early 2025, players are no longer fined for missing signature events, removing the financial penalty McIlroy would have faced in previous years. The tournament will proceed with stars such as Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, and Robert MacIntyre among the contenders.
Tax experts note that McIlroy’s residency in the UK, following his move from Florida to Surrey, increases his overall tax liability. While US federal and state taxes in Georgia total 41.99% (37% federal plus 4.99% state), a UK resident would owe an additional 45% on the winnings, though with relief for US tax paid. The combined rate effectively reaches around 45%, leaving McIlroy with about 55% of his Masters prize.
