Rory McIlroy absence from FedEx Cup playoff event a reminder golf is not like other sports

The PGA Tour’s version of the playoffs is working because it provides three weeks of its best players competing for a trophy that is slowly gaining in stature.

One reason Rory McIlroy’s absence from the first FedEx Cup playoff event got so much attention was no one had skipped a postseason event (barring injury) since Webb Simpson five years ago. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Instead of outrage and grave concern that Rory McIlroy chose to sit out the first FedEx Cup playoff event — without dropping a single spot in the rankings — let it be a reminder that golf is not like other sports.

These are not the “playoffs.” That’s for team sports.