Rory McIlroy believes that the PGA Tour needs to become more competitive by reducing the number of available playing spots.
In this era of signature events with bigger prize money and fewer participants, it seems that the chances to play on the PGA Tour are decreasing. Rory McIlroy has advocated for establishing more elite tournaments, a total of eight in 2021; however, he does not seem keen on endorsing them wholly.
It seems that he finds signature events not sufficiently exclusive, and furthermore believes that the tour has an excess of players. Consequently, measures need to be taken to limit the number of golfers attempting to secure a place in tournaments like this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational with its $20 million prize pool.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the player who bravely defended the PGA Tour during its launch may actually support their rival league, LIV Golf.
McIlroy, who is ranked second in the world, expressed his support for intensifying competition by stating on Friday after shooting a two-under 70 and tying for 30th place at Bay Hill Club that he favors reducing player numbers and tour cards so only the top performers remain – despite knowing it may not be well-liked.
It is unlikely that the competitors in next week’s prestigious $25 million Players Championship on the PGA Tour will react favorably to this.
Initially, the tour had intended for all of its notable competitions to be non-elimination events. However, delegates from three invitationals pushed back against this idea in an effort to distinguish themselves from the rest. Interestingly enough, both Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus – hosts of Genesis Invitational and Memorial Tournament respectively – were on board with having theirs as cut tournaments. Additionally, API representatives felt that Palmer would have concurred with their argument.
On Friday, a cut was made for the tournament with 69 players in the field. Those who finished three over par or better advanced to the weekend by placing among the low 50 scores and those within ten shots of leading score. The top spot saw six players tied at seven under.
Whether you were curious or not, it’s worth mentioning that McIlroy is fine with this. He isn’t exactly ecstatic about it, but he accepts the situation nonetheless.
“Indifferent,” he stated. “Initially, we didn’t plan on making any cuts for these signature events but if it holds significant value – especially to Tiger and Jack or if Arnold were still alive- then since it’s their tournament ultimately they have the authority to make decisions as per their liking.”
Isn’t a cut beneficial? After all, it’s considered cutthroat.
