Newly crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy will not feature at the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage event despite the £2.7million prize money on offer to the winner.
The Northern Irishman has opted to skip the prestigious tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina.
The Heritage is one of the Tour's Signature Events with a lucrative total prize pot of £15million.
McIlroy's decision comes fresh off his emotional Masters victory at Augusta National, where he finally claimed the green jacket and completed his career Grand Slam.
Newly crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy will not feature at the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage event despite the £2.7million prize money on offer to the winner
REUTERS
The 35-year-old has already enjoyed a successful 2025 season, winning twice on the Tour at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship.
His seasonal winnings now stand at an eye-watering sum of approximately £10million.
While McIlroy's exact reasoning for skipping the Heritage hasn't been officially stated, comments after his Masters triumph suggest he'll be returning home to Northern Ireland.
"It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," McIlroy said during his Butler Cabin debrief.
JUST IN:Rory McIlroy's wife 'makes big decision on relationship' just days after golf star won the Masters
Rory McIlroy was too strong for Justin Rose in their Masters play-off on Sunday night
REUTERS"The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it.
"I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they're back in Northern Ireland, and I can't wait to celebrate this next week with them."
His Masters victory finally completed his coveted career Grand Slam, cementing his status as a golfing legend.
McIlroy's decision to skip the Heritage is not entirely surprising given his history with the tournament.
READ MORE: Michael Schumacher 'travels via helicopter' to meet new grandchild after daughter Gina gives birth
Since turning professional in 2007, he has only participated three times: in 2009, 2020, and most recently in 2024.
His performances at Harbour Town have been underwhelming, never breaking into the top 20.
Last year, he finished a disappointing T33, despite the event's elevated status as a Signature Event.
The timing of the tournament, coming immediately after the physically and emotionally draining Masters, has also typically led McIlroy to avoid this event.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
His absence this year follows a pattern established throughout much of his professional career.
Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as defending champion after an impressive performance in 2024.
The American won by three strokes last year at Harbour Town.
Scheffler will be the frontrunner to retain his crown following a strong fourth-place finish at Augusta National.
Rory McIlroy completed the golf career Grand Slam on Sunday night as he defeated Justin Rose to secure Masters glory
REUTERS
The world No 1 appears to thrive on the South Carolina course that has troubled McIlroy.
Most of the Tour's top players will be in attendance despite the 35-year-old's absence.
Among them is Ludvig Aberg, who looked set for another strong Masters finish before a collapse on the 18th hole.
