PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan DEFENDS Rory McIlroy for Skipping 2025 Memorial Tournament

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan backed Rory McIlroy's decision to skip the Memorial Tournament while speaking highly of him.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan DEFENDS Rory McIlroy for Skipping 2025 Memorial Tournament

Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

5-time major Rory McIlroy is facing the heat from the fans after he made a big decision a few days ago. The golfer decided to skip the Memorial Tournament of Jack Nicklaus this week. Amid criticism from the fans, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan came to the defense of McIlroy.

The Memorial Tournament is one of the top events on the PGA Tour schedule. Held at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, this event is hosted by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus.

After having a disappointing performance at the 2025 PGA Championship, McIlroy decided to skip this event. While that decision of him was backed by many, him not calling Nicklaus did not sit well with the fans.

Several golf fans would bash the Northern Irish golfer for this action. Even though, the Golden Bear was not angry with this, users on social media were not pleased with McIlroy. A major reason for this was due to the close relationship between the two golfers.

Before the Masters Tournament, McIlroy sought some guidance from Nicklaus. The 6-time Masters winner would have lunch with the 36-year-old before the first major. McIlroy went on to win the Masters finally and completed the career grand slam.

While speaking to the reporters on Wednesday, Commissioner Monahan came to the defense of McIlroy. The top boss lauded the model of the tour that allows players to select which tournament they want to play and skip.

The beauty of our model is that our players have the ability to select their schedule. What Rory McIlroy has done, I think he’s played in this tournament every year since 2017. And you look at the tournaments that he’s supported. I don’t have any concern, because you look at this on balance over time, his support of our tournaments and our partners is extraordinary.

This will be the first time since 2017 that McIlroy will not play in the Memorial Tournament. This is one event that McIlroy has not won in his career.

Phil Mickelson takes a swipe at PGA Tour as Jay Monahan defends Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip the Memorial Tournament

Rory McIlroy’s decision not to play in the Memorial Tournament this week became a huge topic of discussion among golf fans. After Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan came to the defense of the former World No.1, Phil Mickelson, took a swipe at him.

Jay Monahan, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy
Jay Monahan, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

Mickelson, the 6-time major champion, is not in the playing field due to his ties with LIV Golf. While replying to a tweet on X, the HyFlyers GC Captain slammed the PGA Tour.

“The beauty of our model” It’s why the PGA Tour won’t ever be able to move throughout the world, why sponsors don’t know what they are buying, why fans haven’t seen all best compete against each other consistently for decades, and why no other sport successfully uses this model. It was great for me and all players but not good for anyone else.

Mickelson has not been part of the PGA Tour since 2022. The “Lefty” was one of the top names who left the tour to play on the LIV Golf circuit. The only time he plays on the tour these days is during the 4 major championships.

Rory McIlroy has been facing backlash for a while now

In April, the majority of the golf community was cheering with Rory McIlroy as he won the Masters Tournament. A month later, the majority of them are bashing him. He has found himself in hot water recently through his actions.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

Before his decision to skip the Memorial Tournament, McIlroy came under fire and received severe backlash for his actions during the PGA Championship. The World No.2 was forced to change his driver as it was found to be non-conforming.

After that, McIlroy refused to take part in any media interviews. On all 4 days of the PGA Championship, he declined to speak with the reporters. This led to many fans slamming him online.

He had a disappointing time at the Quail Hollow course in this event. He finished T47, 3-over par for the tournament. His next appearance will be at the RBC Canadian Open next week from Canada.

Also Read: