EDISON, N.J. — Motorists traveling southbound on Interstate 95 out of Manhattan will pass Rory McIlroy, who gazes down at them from a billboard promoting the Barclays at Plainfield Country Club.
The PGA Tour’s version of the postseason begins here Thursday without McIlroy, the former world No. 1 who essentially gave himself a first-round bye. He skipped the event to reduce strain on his healed left ankle and save his energy for the last three official events of the wraparound season. Sergio García, ranked 10th, also took a pass.
Martin Kaymer is not playing, although not by choice.