McIlroy had said he wouldn’t be competing in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, so his absence is hardly cause for pearl-clutching. The surprise is that he’s the only eligible player who stayed home.

Simpson's one of several players who has passed on FedEx Cup Playoffs events in the past for more rest. Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood are among those who have without penalty.