Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler turn down chance to bank over £1million after The Open
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have both chosen to skip the 3M Open in the aftermath of the 153rd Open Championship. The PGA's regular season is nearing its conclusion, with only two tournaments remaining before the FedExCup Playoffs begin.
While numerous big-name players who featured at Royal Portrush have made the journey back across the Atlantic for this week's event, Open champion Scheffler and Masters winner McIlroy, 36, have opted for a break.
TPC Twin Cities will stage the 3M Open, where this year's victor will pocket £1.1million. Such are the substantial rewards available at the Minnesota venue that even the second-placed finisher can anticipate earnings of £676,000.
Those completing the field in final position will still collect just over £12,000, reports the Mirror US. Scheffler claimed his second major title of the season at Royal Portrush, having also captured the PGA Championship in May, taking his career tally to four.
Yet his decision to withdraw from the 3M might stem from , where the 29-year-old sparked minor controversy ahead of the tournament.
During a media session that began to drift towards the philosophical, Scheffler openly acknowledged that golf wasn't "the be-all and end-all" and emphasised that his family was his priority.
Following The Open, Scheffler acknowledged that he can still find pleasure in the sport. However, he returned to his previous remarks about how chasing fulfilment through silverware is ultimately a futile pursuit, meaning some time off after such a punishing schedule might serve him well – even if it costs him a substantial payday.
"Am I grateful for it? Do I enjoy it? Oh, my gosh, yes, this is a cool feeling," Scheffler said after lifting the Claret Jug. "But having success in life is not what fulfils the deepest desires of your heart. Just because you win a golf tournament doesn't make you happy – but I'm pretty excited to celebrate this one."
While Scheffler is now enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation with his family, McIlroy also revealed he was keen to take a breather, having fulfilled his long-held dream of completing a career Grand Slam earlier this year.
"I feel like being back in Europe for a bit was a nice reset," he said after his T7 finish in Northern Ireland. "I feel like I'm getting back to where I want to be, and we've still got a lot of golf left this year with obviously Ryder Cup being the big one in there in September.
"And just make sure I'm – I don't want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh. So I'm looking forward to a few weeks off here."
McIlroy's brief break may also stem from his earlier remarks about tournament scheduling. Speaking to the media following the Truist Championship in May, the 36-year-old explained how he favours taking time off after competing in a major – potentially offering further explanation for his decision to give the 3M a miss.
"Before, I'm all for [playing tournaments]. After, I wouldn't. I'm not a huge fan of it, but there's only so many weeks in the year," McIlroy said. "I really like playing the week before if it makes sense... but the weeks after majors are tough."
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