Rory McIlroy's decision to skip the FedEx Cup Playoffs opener has caused a stir, but talk of a 'Rory Rule' misses the bigger picture.

That is the legitimate worry surrounding Rory McIlroy's absence this week as the tour's three-event postseason series begins with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. But the outrage that has followed reveals little about McIlroy's commitment and is missing the point. The problem isn't the player—it's the product.