Masters champion Rory McIlroy will not compete this weekend following his disappointment at the PGA Championship. McIlroy entered the final round at Aronimink Golf Club just three strokes off the lead but could not prevent Aaron Rai from securing his first major title.
McIlroy Skips Byron Nelson
While many of golf's top players head to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, McIlroy has confirmed he will not participate. "I'm going to take a couple weeks off, and then Memorial will be my next one," McIlroy said after his final round. The Memorial Tournament in Ohio begins on June 4, giving the Northern Irishman a break of just over two weeks.
The 37-year-old also skipped the Byron Nelson last year, citing a need to "recharge the batteries a little bit." He has been open about his desire to be more selective with his schedule and is sticking to that plan.
Final Round Frustration
Heading into Sunday, McIlroy was one of four players tied for seventh, three strokes behind overnight leader Alex Smalley. Five men, including Rai, were tied for second. McIlroy shot a one-under 69 to finish at four under par for the tournament, five strokes behind champion Rai.
It was a frustrating outcome for the Masters champion as he aimed for a third PGA Championship title. Rai's reward for his maiden major win was a top prize of US$3.69 million (approximately £2.75 million). McIlroy earned $637,050 (around £475,000) but will pass on the chance to play for a share of $10.3 million (£7.7 million) at the Byron Nelson.
Rai's Surreal Victory
"It is very surreal," Rai, 31, said after his victory. "It has been a frustrating season, so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination." Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for 14th at the PGA Championship, enters the Byron Nelson as defending champion after winning by eight strokes last year. Rai is in the field for the first time since 2023, aiming to improve on his career-best 46th-place finish in 2022.
McIlroy's Return at Memorial
McIlroy will return at the Memorial Tournament in June, an event he skipped last year. The world number two tied for 15th in his last appearance at the tournament in 2024. Scheffler is chasing a third straight victory at Memorial, having won in 2024 and 2025.
