McIlroy gives up $5 million by skipping event

Rory McIlroy’s decision to withdraw from the RBC Heritage this week means he will forfeit $3 million (NZ $4.8 million) from his Player Impact Program bonus.

The PGA Tour confirmed Friday that McIlroy, who received $9 million of his potential $12 million bonus in January, will not be getting the balance.

The Player Impact Programme (PIP), which began two years ago, rewards players based on various metrics of their popularity. McIlroy finished second to Tiger Woods and stood to gain $12 million — 75 per cent paid after the first week of the year, the remainder when they fulfilled obligations such as playing in all the designated events on the schedule.

Players were allowed to opt out of one. McIlroy missed the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua. And then he withdrew from the RBC Heritage without giving a reason after missing the cut in the Masters.

His manager, Sean Flaherty, said in a text message only that McIlroy did not make any comment regarding Hilton Head and that he would next play the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow next month.

The PIP program is being cut in half to $50 million next season, and players will not be required to play designated tournaments in 2024 to receive the bonus.

Masters champion Jon Rahm shook off his first-round struggles to shoot a 7-under 64 on Friday at the RBC Heritage and moved back into the mix midway through the second round.

Jimmy Walker, who also played Friday morning, was leading at 12 under.