McIlroy, who missed the cut at the Masters last week, withdrew on Monday from the tournament, one of 12 designated events this year on the PGA Tour calendar, not counting the four major championships and the Players Championship.
A source informed Sports Illustrated that McIlroy is being fined one-fourth of his $12 million paycheck since he has opted out of a specified tournament for a second time.
All players were given one opt-out, and McIlroy had previously missed the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Golf Channel stated on air Wednesday that McIlroy will forfeit a part of his Player Impact Program (PIP) compensation.
McIlroy and Tiger Woods last year led a group of players that lobbied for modifications on the PGA Tour calendar that featured more premium tournaments, most of which have a $20 million prize this year, primarily in reaction to the LIV Golf League threat. The objective was to have a majority of the best players participate in the same events more regularly.
When the program was unveiled last autumn, it was related to the PIP, a bonus pool dependent on various characteristics, some of which go beyond success on the course. The bonus pool was $100 million for 2022. Woods grabbed the top slot and expected to collect $15 million, with McIlroy finishing second and receiving $12 million.
The Tour put forth payment requirements that required participation in all of the planned events – with the potential to omit one – in order to get the entire bonus.
Players were paid 25 percent of the incentive in January, with the balance to come upon fulfilment of the requirements at the end of this year. Included in the criteria were requirements that required playing in all of the events (with one opt-out); adding three extra events to the program, one of which is in conjunction with the Tour; and consenting to a Tour-related activity like as a clinic, meet & greet, reception, etc.
Commissioner Jay Monahan stated he had discretion over how the extra money would be given out and would take into account physical considerations or personal reasons if a player had to skip more than one tournament.
Next year, the program is being altered. The PIP pool is being cut to $50 million and will not be connected to the designated events, which will decrease to eight outside of the majors, the Players and the three FedEx Cup playoff events.
This year’s designated tournaments are the Sentry Tournament of Champions, WM Phoenix Open, the Genesis Invitational, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the WGC-Match Play, the RBC Heritage, the Wells Fargo Championship, the Memorial Tournament and the Travelers Championship.
The three extra activities will not be necessary next year, nor will a player have to compete in any of the authorized events.
