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PGA Tour

McIlroy & Cameron Young: Chasing the Masters Title! RBC Heritage Absent.

Was Rory's withdrawal a misunderstanding? Here's the real story.

PG
PGA Tour
12. April 2026 · 1 min read
McIlroy & Cameron Young: Chasing the Masters Title! RBC Heritage Absent.

A buzz just went through the golf community: Rory McIlroy was supposedly withdrawing from the RBC Heritage, that hefty $20 million PGA Tour Signature Event. But, folks, take a deep breath! Rory was never actually in the field and had no withdrawal planned. The whole thing was a misunderstanding in the tournament listings.

The Masters champ has his own plans, especially after a major championship. His history at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links is admittedly modest: a T41st in 2020 and a 33rd place in 2024. After his 2025 Masters triumph, he took time off with his family instead of getting straight back on the green. His priorities are simply shifting.

Golfweek

Rory McIlroy skips RBC Heritage but top golfers are in signature event https://t.co/IonLLFwcDx 📸 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Augusta Drama and Rory's Struggle

Because currently, McIlroy is in the thick of it, specifically in Augusta. Starting as the defending champion at the Masters, he shot a 1-over 73 in Round 3 – the result was a lost six-shot lead. Now, he shares an 11-under-score with Cameron Young heading into the final round. Things really heated up on the course!

His stats speak volumes: Last in fairways hit (21/42) and T47 in Greens in Regulation (10/18). Irons drifting left, drives leaking right – a double bogey on the 11th hole after a botched approach shot into the water. That's not the stellar round we know from him.

Focus on the Green Jacket

Despite all the struggle, the Northern Irishman is still very much in contention for a back-to-back Green Jacket. His Champions Dinner hosting duties this week are secured, but his sole focus is now on the title. His absence from the RBC Heritage is therefore only logical. No surprise then that we won't see him there – his eyes are firmly set on Augusta.

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