Just days after conquering Augusta National and completing the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy has made the surprising decision to withdraw from the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage—an event with a £15 million prize purse and £2.7 million reserved for the winner.
His emotional Masters triumph marked the end of a decade-long chase for the green jacket and elevated his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. The 35-year-old finally joined the elite ranks of players to have won all four major championships, following a tense playoff victory over Justin Rose.
Celebration Over Competition
While McIlroy has not publicly given a reason for skipping the event, comments made after his win hint at a desire to spend time with family rather than return to the course.
“This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy said in the Butler Cabin interview. “I want to say hello to my mum and dad—they’re back in Northern Ireland—and I can’t wait to celebrate this next week with them.”
That decision will keep him from competing at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina—home of the RBC Heritage, one of the PGA Tour’s eight Signature Events.
RBC Heritage: A Course That Doesn’t Suit Rory
Even had he not won the Masters, McIlroy may still have skipped the Heritage. He’s only played the event three times since turning professional in 2007 (in 2009, 2020, and 2024), and with limited success—his best finish being a distant T33 last year.
The Harbour Town course, known for its short, narrow layout, typically favors accurate iron play over the booming drives McIlroy is known for.
Eyes on Rest and Recovery
After an emotionally and physically taxing Masters week, it’s no surprise McIlroy is taking time off. The victory capped off an already remarkable 2025 season that’s included wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship. His total tour earnings this year now exceed £10 million.
Big Payday—With a Tax Hit
McIlroy’s Masters win came with a record £3.4 million ($4.2m) payout, part of the tournament’s largest-ever prize pool. But due to U.S. federal and state taxes, nearly £1.5 million ($1.8m) was deducted, leaving him with a net take-home of approximately £1.8 million ($2.4m).
“Any prize money earned at Augusta is subject to US federal tax at 37%, plus state levies,” tax adviser Paul Barham explained. “For McIlroy, that’s a significant chunk.”
Still, with career tournament earnings now above £121 million, McIlroy becomes just the second golfer in PGA Tour history—after Tiger Woods—to surpass the $100 million mark.
Star-Studded Field at the Heritage
While McIlroy takes a break, the RBC Heritage will still feature many of the game’s biggest names. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returns to defend his title after a strong showing at Augusta, alongside young Swedish talent Ludvig Åberg, who was in contention for a top-five Masters finish before a costly collapse on the 18th hole.
A Victory Worth More Than Money
For McIlroy, the decision to skip the Heritage may seem like a missed financial opportunity—but after finally capturing the one title that eluded him, the reward is emotional, not monetary.
Rather than chase another cheque, McIlroy is choosing to bask in the joy of a long-awaited victory, surrounded by family and fans who have waited just as long to see him don the green jacket.
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