Rory Runs Afoul of PGA Tour Rule, the Fall Is in Focus and Will Zalatoris Looks Long-Term

Rory McIlroy ironically is the first to miss two designated events, but his stature is secure as a Tour leader.

One week after the Masters, the PGA Tour rolled on and delivered yet again with its designated event format. Sunday at the RBC Heritage featured Matt Fitzpatrick defeating Jordan Spieth in an entertaining playoff, Patrick Cantlay saving a bogey from a bulkhead and Masters champ Jon Rahm stopping by the CBS booth for insightful commentary.

And prior to the final round at Harbour Town? The week in golf news was plenty busy, even after a major. Bob Harig covers all of it in his Weekly Read. 

Rory McIlroy Ran Afoul of This Year's Designated Event Rules, But He'll Be O.K.

David J. Phillip/AP

When the PGA Tour's designated event schedule continues next year, there will be no requirements for eligible players to compete. If Rory McIlroy wants to miss two of the big-money events, he can. But this year? One absence is excused, a second is a no-no. Bob Harig was the first to report earlier this week that McIlroy will forfeit $3 million in PIP bonuses for missing the RBC Heritage, and notes that there's certainly irony in McIlroy being the only player (so far) to miss two designated events but he'll be fine. After all, he played a big part in helping create this new system.

Will Zalatoris Is Done For 2023, But Hopefully the Long-Term Approach Pays Off

Mark Baker/AP

Will Zalatoris will miss the rest of 2023 after back surgery, a bummer all around as the 2021 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year is one of the game's more popular young stars with an amazing resume over a short career to date. But by sitting out for a long time after his most recent procedure, his career could greatly benefit. Bob Harig compares Zalatoris's situation to Tiger Woods, which has parallels.

The PGA Tour's Fall Schedule Is Now Known and Players Know What They'll Have to Do

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The PGA Tour's fall schedule will be better defined in 2023 than it has in years. Players will know where they stand coming in and how they may need the seven-tournament swing to improve their standing for 2024. Starting at the Fortinet Championship, there will be plenty to play for.

Weekly Read Fore! Things: Jordan Spieth's Runner-Up Tally Grows, LIV Golf Heads to Australia

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LIV Golf is back next week, with what figures to be the most popular event in its brief history. It also starts a rare busy stretch for the Saudi-backed circuit, as it will play three times in a four-week span. Bob Harig outlines the schedule along with more nuggets from the weekend at the RBC Heritage.