PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has defended Rory McIlroy’s decision not to appear at the Memorial Tournament – but Phil Mickelson is not convinced.
The Masters champion will not be involved at Jack Nicklaus’ signature event this weekend.
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It will be the first time since 2017 that McIlroy has snubbed the tournament, which he has yet to win in his career.
Across 13 previous appearances, his best finish was fifth place back in 2011.
McIlroy already has three wins this year, but has not tasted victory since completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National in April.
That wait is set to continue for at least another week after Nicklaus revealed his surprise at McIlroy’s decision not to appear in Dublin, Ohio.
Monahan defended the Northern Irishman’s choice, though, prior to the opening round.
The PGA Tour chief told reporters: “You look at the beauty of our model is that our players have the ability to select their schedule.
“Rory McIlroy I think has played this tournament every year since 2017 and you look at the tournaments he has supported.”
He continued: “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.”
McIlroy has now skipped three signature events this year after not appearing at both The Sentry and RBC Heritage.
Meanwhile, Monahan’s stance has been slammed by six-time major champion Mickelson.
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The American responded on X by writing: “‘The beauty of our model’,” followed by two crying laughing emojis.
Mickelson added: “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 is tied eighth for the most all-time wins on the PGA Tour with 45.
However, the 54-year-old has not featured since defecting to LIV Golf in 2022.
In the two years since, he has yet to add to his major tally, which stands at six following his triumph at the 2021 PGA Championship.
Mickelson’s best performance at a major since joining LIV saw him finish tied second at the Masters two years ago.
