number 3 in the world Rory McIlroy is said to have been fined $3 million for this week’s withdrawal from RBC Heritage under new PGA rules regarding “specified events”.
According to Golf Digest and Sports Illustrated, the fine is for a second absence from a designated event and will withhold a $12 million payment to McIlroy from the Player Impact Program.
The tournament begins on Thursday at Harbor Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and no reason has been specified for the 33-year-old Northern Ireland star’s withdrawal. McIlroy missed his chance at the Masters last week after hitting 5 of 77 on Friday.
Players ranked in the top 20 of the Player Impact Program are required to participate in designated events, a change in tour made last season as part of a string of protests the arrival of LIV Golf.
Players were allowed to skip a designated event for personal or professional reasons, but McIlroy did not participate in the inaugural Sentry of Champions Tournament in January.
