Rory McIlroy calls for PGA Tour to become more “cutthroat” by offering fewer playing spots

Rory McIlroy continues to issue opinions about the PGA Tour and golf in general that give fans plenty to talk about. He recently said that the American-based circuit should be more “cutthroat” and admit fewer players.The Northern Irishman is currently at Bay Hill playing the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational and, after the second round, he attended a press conference. McIlroy reflected on the current state of the PGA Tour, opining that the tour should promote fewer players.

This was part of what Rory McIlroy had to say (via Golf Digest):

I’m all for making it more cutthroat, more competitive. Probably won’t be very popular for saying this, but I’m all for less players and less tour cards, and the best of the best.”

The major tournaments in the 2024 PGA Tour season have a small group of participants, but they still implement a cut after the first two rounds.  

Players who are in the top 50 (including those tied for 50th place) and those within 10 strokes of the leader after 36 holes are able to continue to play in the tournament.   During the Arnold Palmer Invitational, 11 competitors were unable to meet the cut line set for the starting field of 69 players. 

Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf: “It’s not for me”

Since the start of 2024, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland has adjusted his views on LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, leading to speculation among fans about his potential involvement with the Saudi-backed league.  

There have been rumors suggesting that McIlroy could join the Greg Norman-led circuit, with even his former manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler acknowledging that such a move could happen.  

Taking this into consideration, journalist Marty Smith from ESPN had a direct conversation with McIlroy regarding the possibility of him joining LIV Golf, which was later shared on Smith’s personal X account. 

It’s not for me. I’m too much of a traditionalist. I love winning golf tournaments and looking at the trophy and seeing that Sam Snead won this trophy or Ben Hogan or Gene Sarazen or Jack Nicklaus or Gary Player, Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo, whoever it is, the people that came before me.”

“Nevertheless, during the interview, McIlroy also acknowledged his support for a system that would enable PGA Tour and LIV Golf players to once again compete together.”