The landscape has changed dramatically since McIlroy claimed his last FedEx Cup title in 2022. With starting strokes now scrapped, it will surely be a more competitive post-season as the Tour championship becomes a truer head-to-head contest with a level playing field.

Rory McIlroy said months ago he might skip the first FedEx Cup playoff event in Memphis this year. Did he follow through? Here's the latest update:

Rory McIlroy was hot and tired when he finished the FedEx St. Jude Championship last year. He was No. 3 in the FedEx Cup. He beat only one player at the TPC Southwind and tied for 68th, finishing 26 shots behind. He dropped all the way to No. 5.