Skipping St. Jude was “the right decision” — that’s how Rich Beem described Rory McIlroy’s choice to sit out the FedEx St. Jude Championship — and the reason behind it has the golf world on edge!
Rory McIlroy’s absence from this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship has sparked intense discussion across the golf world. While many fans were surprised to see the Northern Irishman opting out of the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs, former major champion and analyst Rich Beem has come to his defense, calling it “the right decision.” But with McIlroy staying silent on his exact motivations, speculation has only grown louder — and more concerning.
Rich Beem, who has long followed McIlroy’s career and is now a respected commentator, said during a recent broadcast that Rory’s decision to skip the St. Jude Championship in Memphis was not only understandable but also smart. “If he feels like it’s best for his mental or physical well-being, or for his performance later in the Playoffs, then I back that 100%,” Beem stated. “He’s earned the right to manage his schedule the way he sees fit.”
McIlroy’s choice has raised questions not only about his personal form but also about the structure and demands of the PGA Tour’s playoff system. With only three events making up the FedExCup Playoffs this year — St. Jude, the BMW Championship, and the Tour Championship — every event counts. By skipping the first tournament, McIlroy risks losing points and momentum, though his high ranking going in does give him some buffer.
Still, the absence of such a prominent figure has cast a shadow over the opening event. McIlroy, currently one of the most influential voices in the game both on and off the course, has been in strong form recently, which makes his withdrawal even more puzzling. He’s fresh off a win at the Genesis Scottish Open and a solid performance at The Open Championship. Many expected him to carry that momentum into the Playoffs.
What has fans — and analysts — on edge is the uncertainty behind the decision. McIlroy’s camp has not issued an official statement, and Rory himself has not addressed the media. This silence has fueled rumors ranging from injury concerns to personal matters to quiet protest over the PGA Tour’s current direction amid ongoing negotiations with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. McIlroy has previously been vocal about his stance on LIV, but in recent months, he has noticeably taken a step back from the spotlight on those issues.
Whether his absence is tactical, personal, or health-related, one thing is clear: the golf world is paying close attention. Rory McIlroy remains one of the game’s biggest stars, and his presence — or lack thereof — has a significant impact on the competitive landscape and on fan interest.
As the FedEx St. Jude Championship unfolds without him, all eyes will now turn to whether McIlroy returns for the BMW Championship — and what kind of shape he’ll be in, both physically and mentally. For now, Rich Beem’s words seem to echo a sentiment many hope is true: that Rory made the right call, even if it leaves the rest of us wondering why.
