The event will now take place immediately before the Truist Championship, meaning there will be one fewer competition ahead of the Masters. The reshuffle could have significant implications for the preparation both golfing superstars undertake when targeting major glory.

McIlroy typically takes a break following a major and did precisely that after claiming his second Green Jacket in April, sitting out a number of events. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old prefers to compete in a tournament close to a major and maintained that approach by competing at the Truist Championship just days before the PGA Championship.

His philosophy differs markedly from that of Scheffler, 29, who admitted he has little appetite for playing so close to a major. The world No. 1 chose to bypass the event at Quail Hollow, preferring instead to rest and recharge before heading to Aronimink Golf Club.

The American said: “I typically don’t love playing the week before a major. It’s nice to have so many tournaments that are really good. If I had it my way I would play every single week out here. But just the nature of our sport and the demand on our time and everything it’s not really possible. If y’all were to walk with me each day of the tournament and see what we have to do in order to play one week, having to do that four weeks in a row… I wouldn’t be able to perform my best.

“So when I show up at a tournament I want to be able to give it my best and I have to set up my schedule in a certain way and, you know, the chips kind of fall where they do.” McIlroy pleaded his case for being in action ahead of a major, as he said in 2025: “Before, I’m all for. After, I wouldn’t – I’m not a huge fan of it, but there’s only so many weeks in the year. I really like playing the week before if it makes sense.

“I think, again, this week was a great indication of where my game is and what I need to think about and what I need to work on going into next week. But the weeks after majors are tough.” True to his usual routine, McIlroy is currently taking a break from competitive golf after ending tied for seventh at the PGA Championship, which was claimed by British golfer Aaron Rai.

Scheffler chose to tee up at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson last week, securing a third-place finish despite recording a -25 score, with Wyndham Clark ultimately prevailing. Both the world No. 1 and world No. 2 will find themselves competing in the same field at the Memorial Tournament this week, though neither is scheduled to feature at the Canadian Open before the US Open.