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Rory McIlroy is missing out on a boatload of money after he decided to skip the RBC Heritage. The PGA star is coming off of a disappointing showing at the Masters, and he’s instead taking the time to recover and reset.
While it’s not unheard of for top players to pull out of an event the week after participating in a major, this one will be costly for McIlroy. According to an article from Sports Illustrated, that number comes in at $3 million.
The decision to sit out of the Hilton Head tournament will hit McIlroy’s PIP bonus money as it’s the second designated event omission of the season.
PIP, or Player Impact Program, was pushed by McIlroy and Tiger Woods to reward players who “generate the most positive interest in the PGA Tour.” It was designed to promote the addition of more elite events on the PGA Tour, which would include higher paying purses.
In the end, it was intended to foster a Tour where the best players would play in the same tournaments in order to create more interest outside of the four majors.
All PIP members were allowed one opt-out, which Rory McIlroy used on the Sentry Tournament of Champions. His decision to pull out of a second designated event reduces his $12 million PIP payout to $9 million.
It’s another blow to McIlroy, who missed the cut last weekend in Augusta. The superstar shot +5 over his first two rounds of play. Meanwhile, a trio of LIV golfers, whom McIlroy has strongly opposed, landed in the top five.
Rory McIlroy’s pride might’ve been hurting last week. His wallet will take a hit this one.