Rory McIlroy Fiercely Backs ‘No Cut, Less Players’ Events Hours After Denying $950M LIV Golf Jump

The PGA Tour had a huge conundrum in 2023. The Tour and its Players Advisory Council were discussing whether the signature events should have a cut moving forward in 2024. In the end, they decided that out of the eight signature events, four events hosted by the players—Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and the late Arnold Palmer—would have a cut.

Now that the fourth signature event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, is underway, the former PAC director, Rory McIlroy, has shared what he initially felt about the no-cut events. The Northern Irishman has vocalized his softened demeanor on LIV Golf as of late, despite it having a no-cut format. Did McIlroy have a similar stance for the PGA Tour events?

‘Less players, Less tour cards’ – Verdict on no-cut signature events 

After the second round at Bay Hill, Rory McIlroy stopped for the post-match interview and shared his verdict on signature events with a cut. McIlroy was asked what his preference was, to which he replied, “I was indifferent.” The 24-time PGA Tour winner explained that at first, “we were thinking no cut.”

However, as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus had opined against it, McIlroy said, “If it’s that important to Tiger and Jack and if Arnold were alive if it was important enough for him, then it’s their tournament, at the end of the day, and they can do whatever they want.” McIlroy later described that his stance on a cut or a no-cut event “could have went [sic] either way.”

But since it was important for the hosts of the three-player-hosted events, “we’ll have a cut,” he said. However, McIlroy was in favor of the limited field at the signature events. He said, “I’m all for less players and less TOUR cards, and the best of the best.” In other words, making it cutthroat for the players to tee up at the elevated events.

But the no-cut PGA Tour events are similar to what LIV Golf offers and they were probably introduced to tackle the competition

As per LIV, the tour wanted to keep the audience entertained, and the rest of the signature events were kept without a cut. McIlroy’s indifferent stance on the cutline can relate to how he has been unconcerned about the formats, which LIV also promises. With his detached behavior, McIlroy has recently also softened toward LIV Golf and its players that he doesn’t like as much.

Rory McIlroy changed tunes on LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy was once a vehement LIV golf protester. The 24-time PGA Tour winner couldn’t gallop the breakaway circuit. However, after two years, his perspective on the league and its defectors has changed massively. McIlroy, who didn’t want the players to be back on the tour, now thinks it will be fine if they choose to return.

Read More: Rory McIlroy Can Very Soon Destroy Scottie Scheffler’s Biggest World Ranking Triumph at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Currently, many players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas want repercussions for those who joined LIV Golf if they come back on tour. But McIlroy said, “Let them come back,” and that there shouldn’t be any punishment. On the state of golf, the Northern Irishman wanted the two leagues to move together, which he thought would be “great for golf.” 

McIlroy’s sudden change on LIV Golf came after he stepped down from PAC in November and stayed out of any drama regarding the issue. This started rumors of whether he would be another defector to LIV Golf. However, the 34-year-old pro called himself too much of a “traditionalist” to join the breakaway league and said, “It’s not for me,” as he rejected the rumored $950 million deal. Will McIlroy join the PIF-backed league in the future? Only time will tell.