Rory McIlroy is simply doing exactly as he said he would as he creates controversy again

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The PGA Tour season continues this week with The Memorial Tournament, but one notable absence is Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy has been criticised for choosing to miss The Memorial, the latest of the Signature Events on the PGA Tour.

World number one Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, and is joined by the likes of Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa.

The Memorial is the penultimate tournament before the US Open, which returns to Oakmont Country Club in mid-June.

Legendary figure Jack Nicklaus hosts the competition, which takes place at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Rory McIlroy doing as he said he would amid The Memorial Tournament controversy

Nicklaus was surprised that McIlroy has decided to skip the event, but at the same time doesn’t hold anything against The Masters champion.

And that is certainly the right approach to take this week, with the five-time major winner simply doing exactly as he said he would.

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It is a blow for the PGA Tour that he isn’t taking on The Memorial, and also a shame for Nicklaus due to his close connection with McIlroy.

But speaking last September, a reduced schedule for 2025 was confirmed by McIlroy, who has made nine starts on the PGA Tour so far this season.

He said back in 2024: “It’s been a long season, and I’m going to think about trying to build in a few extra breaks going forward because I felt like I hit a bit of a wall post-US Open. I’m going to try to cut it back to like 18 or 20 [tournaments] a year going forward, I think.”

His latest decision hasn’t exactly gone down well, with the golfer having only just entered the bad books of many for failing to speak to the media during the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy backs up global schedule plans with recent commitments

It is worth noting that alongside his reduced schedule plans, McIlroy also wants to take on more national tournaments around the world.

And he is certainly following that plan, with the Northern Irishman taking on the Canadian Open next month.

READ MORE: Jack Nicklaus gives verdict on golfers refusing to speak to the media after Rory McIlroy’s recent stance

Also in his future plans is the Australian Open for the next two years, and indeed the DP World India Championship in October.

McIlroy is clearly eager to broaden his horizons in the near future, which may have stemmed from the fact that he has now won all there is to win at major championship level.

After a drought of more than 10 years, he finally clinched The Masters title in April, completing the career grand slam in the process.

And even though he will be missed by many with his absence from the likes of The Memorial, such an approach should certainly be praised at this stage of his career.

It should also be respected, with the 36-year-old having provided fans with countless unforgettable moments at countless events over the years.

That includes tournaments across the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with fans having also witnessed many moments of magic at the Ryder Cup, with many more still to come.