Uncategorized

Rory McIlroy’s ‘cutthroat’ wish granted after admitting golf decision ‘wouldn’t be popular’

After Rory McIlroy “unpopularly” called for a more “cutthroat” PGA Tour, the Policy Board has now approved a range of drastic changes.

Speaking after the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Northern Irish world No. 3 McIlroy, instead of suggesting that more players should be included in the 69-strong field, went against the grain, believing that the competition and tour as a whole should be more exclusive.

Rory McIlroy’s wish for a more exclusive PGA Tour seems to have been granted (Image: AP)

Now, it seems as though the governing body have listened, as they announced on Monday a plethora of sweeping changes that mirror McIlroy’s demands. Among said changes will be smaller fields, fewer tour cards given out to those who want to compete on the circuit and fewer players fully exempt from losing their cards – all of which should be music to his ears.

Speaking in Bay Hill, McIlroy’s wish was clear as he said: “I’m all for making it [the tour] 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 PGA have now approved such changes for the 2026 season, including reducing the number of players who will keep their tour cards with fully exempt status from 125 to 100.

Their statement reads: “The PGA Tour Policy Board today approved competitive changes supported by the Player Advisory Council (PAC) that will deliver a stronger and more competitive and entertaining PGA Tour to fans, players, tournaments and partners.”

As mentioned, entering the circuit has also been made harder. The number of cards on offer to those wishing to graduate from the Korn Ferry Tour – a developmental tour for those who have yet to reach the PGA or do not have the necessary FedEx Cup points to remain there – has been cut from 30 to 20.

McIlroy will be pleased with the PGA Tour’s changes ( Image: Getty Images)

Another of McIlroy’s suggestions has been met in the form of reduced field sizes. Some events, namely the Players Championship, will be reduced to 120 players, with most events seeing a 12-player drop from 2026. FedEx Cup points allocation has also been altered.

The tour’s chief competitions officer, Tyler Dennis, stated on the back of these field size changes: “These field size adjustments, which also promote a better flow of play, improve the chances of rounds being completed each day with a greater ability to make the 36-hole cut on schedule under normal weather conditions.

“For our fans, this certainty sets up weekend storylines much more effectively and will make the PGA Tour easier and more enjoyable to follow.”

Related Posts

Rory McIlroy faces accusations over Masters injury admission – ‘Not buying it’

Golf star Rory McIlroy is facing accusations of downplaying his chances at the Masters by claiming he has an elbow injury. McIlroy is a top contender to win the tournament and secure…

Rory McIlroy forced to meet his ‘nemesis’ as pressure mounts on Northern Irishman

Rory McIlroy has been told the Masters is his ‘nemesis’ and that he always struggles to overcome the challenging Augusta course. The world No. 2 has never won the Masters but…

Tiger Woods Takes a Backseat as Ex-Coach Reveals Bryson DeChambeau’s ‘Rabbit Hole’ as the Most Remarkable Experience of His Career

As a golf coach, having Tiger Woods on your resume is the ultimate credential. For three years since 2014, Woods and his newly hired coach worked closely, but their collaboration…

The Nigerian Medical Student Who Shattered a 28-Year-Old Record at Obafemi Awolowo University

Aarinola Olaiya is a Nigerian medical student who has achieved remarkable academic excellence. She is the first student in 28 years to graduate with 12 distinctions from the…

Man loses $3,100 on store item he never received – a year of calls went unanswered but receipt changed everything

A MAN was left without answers for over a year after he paid $3,100 for a lawnmower repair that never came. James Atchison, who relies on a riding…

Did Elon Musk’s Mom Say The Poor Should Have More Kids So They Can Work In Elon’s Factories?

A post on X claims that Maye Musk, the mother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, told Fox News that “the poor should have kids, so [Elon’s] factories have…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *