Rory McIlroy hit with $2.1 million tax bill and adds Cathedral Invitational to Australian swing

World No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy has been confronted with an estimated $2.1 million tax bill on his major‑tournament winnings for 2026. The tax liability stems from prize money earned at the Masters, the Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship, which together total nearly $4 million in earnings. Including other PGA Tour events, McIlroy’s net take‑home pay for the year is projected at about $5.1 million.

In parallel with his busy schedule, McIlroy confirmed he will compete in the Cathedral Invitational at the exclusive Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club near Melbourne, Australia, after already securing a spot in the Australian Open at Kingston Heath in December. The invitational, founded by former Essendon Football Club chairman David Evans and designed by Greg Norman, has become a high‑profile pro‑am event despite lacking world‑ranking points. Fellow Australian star Adam Scott, the defending champion, will also return to the tournament.

The dual developments highlight McIlroy’s continued prominence on the global golf circuit and the financial scrutiny that accompanies his success.