Change is inevitable. That is something that Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour are understanding now. There has been loads of criticism on the Tour for being slow to bring about the changes in the game as viewership has been dwindling. The organization has listened and is in steady talks to find solutions and enforce changes. One person they could use in their bid is 4-time Major Winner Rory McIlroy.

McIlory right now is heading into the final day of an exciting AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am one stroke behind tournament leader Sepp Straka. The Northern Irish golfer shot a brilliant 7 under par for day 3, leaving him and Shane Lowry tied at T2.

Post the excellent Round 3, a reporter asked McIlroy about his previous comments on seeing competitive events at great venues. “Yeah, look, I think really good venues are a big part of the storyline. When we go to major championships, especially a U.S. Open and an Open Championship, I always feel like the golf course is a big part of the storyline heading into Thursday….”

The venues on offer are at times very standard according to the 4-time Major winner. That is something Jay Monahan needs to address. The PGA Tour’s choice of venues has come into question most recently at the Kapalua Plantation Course for the Sentry. “Sometimes on the PGA TOUR that isn’t the case because whether you play a run of the mill TPC or whatever it is, it just isn’t that interesting.”

McIlroy thinks that redesigning existing courses or utilizing more difficult courses should be a part of the changes that the PGA Tour is considering. “Yeah, I think it’s – you know, if everything’s on the table for whatever this new look PGA TOUR’s going to be, I think venues are going to be a big part of it.”

Fans on social media had their thoughts regarding Rory McIlroy’s request to the PGA Tour.

One fan admired the Northern Irish golfer for being brave in addressing the issue without any concern for repercussion. He likened McIlroy’s off-course demeanor to his strong attitude on the course. “Always spot on. Absolute class on and off the course. A true face of the sport,” stated the netizen. Well, what do others have to say?

Fans agree with Rory McIlroy’s suggestion to the PGA Tour

The course is a key part of golfing that people want to see. Some courses have personalities that offer strong challenges to the golfers who are participating on the course and such courses endear themselves to the fans. “So true, the course is more than just a passive participant,” explained another fan.

One fan also suggested that it does not just improve the quality that current viewers are looking for, but it could also bring in many more new viewers. “Playing new or different courses would be a good start to increase ratings.”

The beauty of Pebble Beach is also a thing to admire about.  One fan followed the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to feast his eyes on the spectacular course. “He is right. I watched the back 9 today just to see pebble beach.” And it is in such courses that iconic and memorable moments are created. Scottie Scheffler making par at the 5-par 18 hole despite losing track of the ball on the beachside was one such incident.

The reactions to Pebble Beach are completely different from what the fans had to say about the Kapalua Plantation Course which hosted the 2025 Sentry. The Kapalua Plantation Course, which hosted the 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions, faced severe criticism from fans after the players registered historically low scores at the season opener. They had called on Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour to address the course, which provided no sense of challenge to the players.

Hideki Matsuyama registered a 35 under-par score over 4 days to clinch the title. “Save me the course architecture BS. Tournaments with -30 winners suck. Blast Kapalua into the sun,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Matt Vincenzi.

The second-lowest score this season came at the American Express Open with Sepp Straka winning with a 25 under par, a whole 10 strokes below Matsuyama. To put some context, Matsuyama’s score at the end of day 3 was 27 under par. Fans do not want to watch birdie after birdie in a course that offers little to no resistance. They want the course to be a hindrance and force the golfers to be tough and resilient.

McIlroy’s idea seems to be resonating well with fans and it could be another addition to the endless list of suggestions and ideas that have been at the PGA Tour’s doorstep. Want the suggestions to stop? Take drastic measures and enforce changes! For the good of the sport.