Rory McIlroy defended by former US Open champion Lucas Glover

Former US Open champion Lucas Glover has given Rory McIlroy his full support for deciding to skip this week's PGA Tour event in Memphis. 

McIlroy, 36, has decided not to play in the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. 

He previously in revealed November he planned to skip the first leg of the PGA Tour's playoffs at TPC Southwind. 

It was all part of his plan to dramatically reduce his playing schedule after doing 'the hard slog' for nearly two decades. 

Still, McIlroy's absence has been widely criticised in some corners of the golf world and even by existing PGA Tour members. 

Player director Peter Malnati said he was 'very concerned' as he told Golfweek plans were afoot to prevent a repeat in 2026.

Nate Lashley also made a snippy remark on X, although it was pointed out to him his comment was factually inaccurate. 

Glover, though, has taken a more measured view, telling his American radio show the reigning Masters champ can do as he pleases.

"He can do whatever he wants and nobody can really say anything," Glover told SiriusXM PGA Tour radio. 

"Is it unfortunate for the Tour? Yes. Is it unfortunate for the tournament? Yes. Is it unfortunate for the sponsors?

"Yes, but Rory has got to do what's best for Rory. Rory has played a lot of golf and he's going to play a lot of golf after this, I understand that.

"Do I wish he was here? Sure. I know the tournament does, the sponsors do, the TV does but, with the current setup, they can't say anything because it's his choice, and it should be because we are technically independent contractors.

"I do think that now the precedent is set, there is perhaps reason to address this going forward. That being said, I don't blame him.

"There is nothing anybody can do, he's doing what’s best for him right now this year and that's fine. 

"He has played a ton and he's going to play a ton later and doesn't want to be here, so that's that."

Glover was referencing the fact McIlroy is scheduled to play the Amgen Irish Open in early September, followed by the BMW PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. 

In November, he'll head back to the Middle East to try and win his seventh Race to Dubai title. 

He's also committed to playing in the inaugural DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club and the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne. 

Why was Rory McIlroy allowed to skip this tournament?

The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first of three playoff events and differs from a 'signature event'. 

Put simply, the format allows him to do so as his standing in the FedEx Cup won't be affected. 

The top 70 in the FedEx Cup made it to the St. Jude Championship and only the top 50 will advance.

From there, only 30 will have a tee time at the Tour Championship. 

McIlroy is currently a comfortable second place to Scottie Scheffler in the standings and is already assured of a tee time at Caves Valley Golf Club. 

The format for the season-ending Tour Championship has also changed, meaning McIlroy's starting score won't be affected if he drops down the rankings. 

When is Rory McIlroy back in action?

McIlroy has not confirmed his next start but it is more than likely he'll tee it up at the BMW Championship next week.

He'll then head to East Lake for the Tour Championship before returning back to the UK 

He will attempt to win the FedEx Cup for the fourth time in his career but he'll need to beat Scottie Scheffler. 

Once that is finished, McIlroy will turn his attentions to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

He'll play the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before making his eighth appearance at the biennial showdown.