Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will take a break from golf following his disappointing performance at the PGA Championship. The Masters champion finished five strokes behind winner Aaron Rai at Aronimink Golf Club, shooting a final-round 69 to end the tournament at four under par.
McIlroy, 37, will skip this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, opting instead to rest before returning at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio on June 4. 'I'm going to take a couple weeks off, and then Memorial will be my next one,' he said after his final round.
The Northern Irishman also missed the Byron Nelson last year, citing a need to 'recharge the batteries.' He has been vocal about his desire to be more selective with his schedule and is staying true to that approach.
McIlroy's absence means he will miss a chance to play for a share of the $10.3m (£7.7m) prize fund. His consolation for finishing tied for seventh at the PGA Championship was $637,050 (£475,000).
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai claimed his first major title with a victory worth $3.69m (£2.75m). 'It is very surreal,' the 31-year-old said. 'It has been a frustrating season, so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination.'
McIlroy will return at the Memorial Tournament, where he tied for 15th in 2024. World No.2 Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for 14th at the PGA Championship, will be chasing a third consecutive victory at the event.
