DUBLIN, Ohio (May 23, 2025) – Rory McIlroy has decided to skip this year’s Memorial Tournament, breaking his unbroken run of appearances at Muirfield Village Golf Club that began in 2017. The event, organized by Jack Nicklaus, held a prominent spot on the Northern Irishman’s spring calendar until today’s withdrawal.
According to McIlroy’s team, the golfer opted out to better align his preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Instead of competing in Dublin, Ohio, from May 29 to June 1, he will make his next start at the RBC Canadian Open (June 5–8) in Oakville, Ontario, allowing extra practice time on courses that mimic U.S. Open conditions.
After completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta in April, McIlroy had a disappointing week at Quail Hollow during the PGA Championship, finishing tied for 49th at 3-over. His campaign was further disrupted when one of his drivers failed inspection, necessitating an equipment switch mid-round. Those setbacks appear to have influenced his decision to ease off before golf’s next major.
“I’ve always enjoyed competing at Muirfield Village, so it wasn’t an easy choice to pass on the Memorial,” McIlroy shared online. “But with Oakmont ahead, playing in Canada provides the ideal stepping stone to be ready for the U.S. Open.”
With McIlroy out of the lineup, attention will shift to other leading contenders such as Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s fans will follow his title defense at the Canadian Open as he gears up for June’s major test.