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The world number three went into last week’s Masters full of confidence and with plenty of talk that this was finally his time to complete the career Grand Slam, after recent successful practice rounds at Augusta National further confirmed his game was seemingly in ideal shape.
That proved to be a long way from the truth once the tournament began though, with McIlroy sitting seven shots off the lead after 18 holes and a second-round 77 saw him miss the cut for the second time in three years.
The 33-year-old, who did not speak to the media after his premature exit, was expected to tee it up at the RBC Heritage this week, an event with an incredibly strong field as a result of it being given elevated status this year.
However, McIlroy has withdrawn with no explanation given, a decision that could lead to him losing some of his Player Impact Program (PIP) money.
PGA Tour rules state that players may skip one designated event in the season, with McIlroy opting not to compete at the Sentry Tournament of Champions back in January. Should they miss more than that, without being injured, players may lose some of their PIP payout.
McIlroy finished second on that list last year, behind Tiger Woods, and so was due to pick up $12million in instalments throughout this season.
When the Northern Irishman will return to action is uncertain, though it looks likely that it will now be at Quail Hollow at the start of May when he looks to win the Wells Fargo Championship for a third time.
Will Zalatoris will also not compete at the RBC Heritage, having missed the Masters through injury. He announced on Monday that he has undergone back surgery and will now be out for the rest of the season.
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