Rory McIlroy in Deep Trouble? ‘Dangerous’ Cognizant Classic Delay May Affect Time With Dad at Seminole

“I think the date and the schedule was a big thing. Having that week in between the West Coast Swing and starting in Florida. That was a big part of it,” said Rory McIlroy following his return to the Cognizant Classic after six years. However, as the fourth round at PGA National unfolds, the schedule is precisely what could prevent him from making his annual appearance at the Seminole Pro-Member.

A weather update on Sunday read, “Due to approaching area thunderstorms, which may contain dangerous weather, play has been temporarily suspended at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.” The final round eventually resumed after a three-and-a-half-hour delay. But as a result, for the third time since PGA National became the tournament’s home, it’ll see a Monday finish. Considering this, Rory McIlroy is practically fighting against time and daylight to ensure he makes his Seminole Pro-Member appearance alongside his father, Gerry McIlroy.

Moreover, due to the delay, it is possible that the Northern Irishman will not be present on the final day of play at the Champions Course at PGA National. That is if he doesn’t finish the final round on Sunday and decides to play at the Seminole Golf Club. The true concern lies in his schedule. The four-time major champ is set to tee off on Monday at the Seminole Golf Club with his father at 8:32 A.M. However, the final round at the Champions Course will begin at 8:00 A.M. on the same day.

Indeed a dilemma for McIlroy, who would have to choose one or the other – absent from either the PGA Tour event or the Seminole Pro-Member. However, with the fourth round still in progress and a little time before Sunday play gets suspended, journalist Shane Bacon hilariously depicted how McIlroy is trying to finish his round. Tweeting a GIF of a person outrunning a golf cart, Bacon wrote, “Rory trying to finish this round before darkness so he can make his 8:32 tee time tomorrow with pops at the Seminole Pro-Member.”

Update: Rory McIlroy managed to finish his final day’s play at the Cognizant Classic, closing with a 68 and in T16. However, with few others set to complete their round on Monday, the leaderboard will likely change. This was good news for the Northern Irishman because it cleared him for the 20-minute drive to the Seminole Pro-Member.   

The exclusive event on Monday will witness many elites from the sport of golf and other celebrities teeing it off at the Seminole Golf Club. But, more importantly, the focus would be on a certain professional who would be debuting at the same, none other than Tiger Woods!

READ MORE: 2024 Cognizant Classic: Prize Money Breakdown and Winner’s Payout

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas will highlight the event at Seminole

As news of Tiger Woods not committing to the Arnold Palmer Invitational was divulged, another announcement about him confirming his presence at the exclusive tournament hit the community. Moreover, the 15-time major champ would be paired up with Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America, and would tee it off at 7:47 A.M.

Meanwhile, other professionals, including the likes of Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Tony Finau, Nelly Korda, Ernie Els, and Matt Fitzpatrick, will also be participating in the event. Nevertheless, an exciting Monday is on the cards for the golfing world as Tour professionals take on the field with well-known power brokers, celebrities, and CEOs.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods Winning Bob Jones Award Might End His Lingering US Open Nightmare – ‘Humbled’