McIlroy Hints At More No Cut Events On The PGA Tour
The Northern Irishman says the possibility of more no cut events on the PGA Tour is under consideration
Rory McIlroy thinks there could be more no cut events coming to the PGA Tour as the organisation continues to look at ways to counter the LIV Golf threat.
One of the big differences between the PGA Tour and its bitter rival is the lack of cuts on the newer circuit. However, there are already several tournaments on the PGA Tour without a cut, including this year's FedEx Cup Playoffs. McIlroy, who was speaking ahead of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, has hinted more could be on the way.
He said: “If you look at where we've historically been, whenever the WGCs were still a thing, we had four of those, we had the two playoff events, now that's went to three, so that's six, then you had the two fall events, CJ and ZOZO. Historically we've had tournaments that haven't had cuts and really wasn't any grumbling about it before LIV came along. So I think you're going to see a mixture of both, to be honest with you.”
Despite an appetite to explore the possibility of more no cut tournaments, McIlroy was keen to stress that the history of some events should ensure they are left as they are. He said: "I think some tournaments more than others lend themselves to maybe having cuts and trying to keep some sort of history here, like we're at the old LA Open that has a ton of history here. Is this an event that maybe should keep a cut going forward? Potentially, because of the history of it."
Last year, it was reported that at a player only meeting spearheaded by McIlroy and Tiger Woods, the possibility of introducing 18 no-cut tournaments, to be fought over between the top 60 players, was discussed, and while the Northern Irishman didn’t go that far, he did admit the idea of more no cut events was being considered. He said: “We're thinking about all that sort of stuff. There's a ton of conversation around it.”
This week’s tournament is also the second elevated event in a row, after last week’s WM Phoenix Open. With more to come in 2023, and the potential for smaller fields in some of them in 2024, McIlroy was quick to reassure players who may struggle to reach them that there would be a way forward. He said: “The best players should be playing in them because ultimately the PGA Tour needs to be built around the best players, because that's what will maximize the value of the product. But that doesn't mean that there's not great storylines further down that list, which we're all very cognizant of.
“I've had tons of conversations with guys that are worried about what events they're going to play next year and all that. The one thing I said, look, no one's trying to screw the bottom half of the Tour here. If anything, we're trying to lift it up. We're trying to - if you have a, you know, I hate calling it a product, but a product that this year's forecast to do $2 billion in gross revenue, you're trying to grow that product as much as possible.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Verne Lundquist Lifts Lid On Emotional Masters Farewell With Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods shared a poignant moment with the legendary broadcaster beside the 16th green in the final round at Augusta
By Ben Fleming Published
-
John Catlin Wins Back-To-Back Asian Tour Titles Whilst LIV Golfer Likely To Remain Outside World's Top 100 Despite Strong Showing
The American cruised to the Saudi Open title by seven shots, while David Puig is likely to stay outside the world's top 100 despite finishing fifth
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Determined' Rory McIlroy Enjoying The Challenge Of Finding His Best Form Again
Despite another Masters disappointment, Rory McIlroy says he's enjoying the challenge of trying to find his best form again
By Paul Higham Published
-
RBC Heritage Tee Times - Rounds One And Two
Some of the world's best players are competing at Harbour Town, with Rory McIlroy paired with Ludvig Aberg
By Mike Hall Published
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024
Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf Report
The four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Manager Responds To $850m LIV Golf Report
Sean O'Flaherty has described a report linking his client with a big-money move to LIV Golf as "fake news"
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Would A 15-Handicapper Shoot Around Augusta? Rory McIlroy Gave This Brutal Response...
McIlroy's search for an elusive Grand Slam with a Masters victory continues but he gave short shrift to any idea amateurs could handle Augusta
By James Nursey Published
-
‘My Swing Felt Horrific’ - Rory McIlroy Last Man On Driving Range After Sliding Down Masters Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy fell from contention after a disappointing second round in windy conditions at Augusta National
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Butch Harmon Details What He Worked On With Rory McIlroy Ahead Of Latest Masters Bid
After a visit to see the veteran coach, could this finally be McIlroy's year to win The Masters?
By Andrew Wright Published