The distinguished golfer Scottie Scheffler has chosen not to partake in the forthcoming Rocket Mortgage Classic, despite the opportunity to secure a substantial seven-figure payout. This decision comes off the back of his recent triumph at the Travelers Championship, where he became the first player since the esteemed Tiger Woods in 2009 to win six out of eight signature PGA events in a single year. His narrow victory against Tom Kim in a play-off earned Scheffler a remarkable $3.6 million, further adding to his already impressive season.
With wins at The Masters, RBC Heritage, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and more, Scheffler’s exceptional performance has positioned him at the forefront for the most lucrative year in PGA history. His outstanding success, however, does not stop there, as he seeks to add The Open to his list of accomplishments next month before representing the USA at the Paris Olympics. Consequently, he has chosen not to compete at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, in order to conserve his energy for the upcoming challenges.
Scheffler’s decision to forgo the Rocket Mortgage Classic is echoed by fellow high-profile golfers, Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark, who are also absent from the 156-player field. This creates opportunities for other players to shine and seize the chance for a substantial payday.
On the other hand, Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, will continue to take a brief golf hiatus following his recent defeat at the US Open. He is now setting his sights on clinching a fifth title at The Open. Notably, McIlroy has not participated in any of the five events of the Rocket Mortgage Classic since its inception in 2019.
As the Rocket Mortgage Classic approaches, the absence of star athletes like Scheffler and McIlroy stands as an open invitation for emerging players to make their mark. The tournament presents a platform for rising stars such as Tom Kim, Cameron Young, and Kim Si-woo to make a name for themselves, while 2019 champion Rickie Fowler will aim to defend his title.
The absence of Scheffler and McIlroy at the Rocket Mortgage Classic has undoubtedly sparked intrigue and anticipation among golf fans, leading to questions and predictions about the upcoming event. Will Scottie Scheffler secure a victory at The Open next month? We welcome your thoughts and comments below.