Rory McIlroy Demands PGA Tour Pros to ‘Prove’ Their Worth After Sparking Outrage With His ‘Cutthroat’ Plans

Rory McIlroy knew it was going to be an unpopular opinion. Yet he boldly proclaimed on Friday, “I’m all for less players and less tour cards, and the best of the best.”  It caused quite a stir like his previous comments on LIV Golf had. However, an unfazed McIlroy held fast to his view.

But before that, a reporter also asked McIlroy why he always spoke his mind. In the last few months, the Northern Irishman has been at the center of controversy after changing his tune on LIV Golf, sparking rumors of defection. Does he regret any of his words?

Rory McIlroy has strong opinions and he can’t lie

McIlroy was rather bemused by the first question. “Why wouldn’t I speak my mind, I guess?” “You asked me my opinion and I give it to you. I’m not going to stand up here and lie to you,” McIlroy added, the bewilderment still lingering on his face. Nevertheless, the Northern Irishman was pressed further on his comments from yesterday.

McIlroy laid out his plan for a global tour in some detail. However, on this matter, the Ulsterman admitted he hadn’t given that much thought about it. His suggestion of lesser Tour cards drew a sharp rebuttal from an aspiring Tour pro who called it a “lazy idea” to protect “the stars of yesterday.” But the 24-time PGA Tour winner said he wanted to clear the pathway for younger talents. “I guess I haven’t thought about it that hard. I guess my thing is, I’m all for more cut throat and more competitive and trying to give pathways to the younger generation.”

Explaining further, Rory McIlroy added, “So, through Korn Ferry Tour, through PGA TOUR U, through — like, I would rather have more of a, like, yeah, instead of — I just feel like there’s a lot of categories on TOUR that people are sort of still benefiting off what they did like five or ten years ago.” Currently, the PGA Tour offers 30 cards to Korn Ferry Tour graduates, and five to PGA Tour Q-school qualifiers. Whereas, the top ten from the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings also have similar opportunities. 

“I feel like the most competitive professional golf tour in the world, you should have to come out and prove yourself year after year after year.” McIlroy told the media persons. The World No. 2 was also asked about his opinion on the cut line and whether the Signature events should have a cut or not.

McIlroy is ‘indifferent’ regarding Signature event cuts

The 34-year-old is least bothered by the cutline. He is also least bothered by not having a cutline. “I was indifferent… I could have went (sic) either way, but if it’s important enough to those guys, then we’ll have a cut,” said the 24-time PGA Tour winner. Three player-hosted Signature events, the Genesis Invitational (Tiger Woods), the Arnold Palmer Invitational (API officials after Palmer’s death), and the Memorial (Jack Nicklaus), have a cut line. Only the top 50 and ties and anyone within 10 shots of the lead, advance to the final two rounds. Notably, only ten players missed the cut at Bay Hill from the 69-man field. 

Interestingly, McIlroy’s idea found favor with the reigning US Open Champion, Wyndham Clark. The 30-year-old would much prefer a relegation system after the end of each year, a la LIV Golf. “I think it would be amazing if our TOUR was a hundred guys, and I kind of said this a few times, a hundred guys and we have 20 guys that get relegated every time, every year, doesn’t matter who you are. So, yeah, I’m probably with Rory on that.” 

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At the ongoing Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy advanced to the top of the leaderboard, jumping 22 places on the back of his 4-under 68. The 34-year-old strung together six birdies, three of which came in the last three holes to tie for the eighth spot with Max Homa and Sam Burns. On top of the leaderboard, Shane Lowry maintained his lead but Scottie Scheffler took his share after carding 2-under 70.

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