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.

After a challenging stretch, Rory McIlroy seemed to find his rhythm again during the Scottish Open and The Open Championship, looking far more settled on the course. He reached the summit in April by winning The Masters and completing the Career Grand Slam.

Seventy players qualified for the first round of the playoffs at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, but only 69 will tee it up at TPC Southwind this week.