Home GOLF Rory McIlroy Backs PGA Tour Overhaul Plans Amid Injury Doubts

Rory McIlroy Backs PGA Tour Overhaul Plans Amid Injury Doubts

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PGA tour unveils bold new plans, gets Rory McIlroy's nod

Rory McIlroy supports PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp's proposed changes, including shorter season and bigger fields.


McIlroy gives thumbs up to PGA Tour overhaul as he considers playing in The Players Championship with back injury...


Rory McIlroy is on the fence about defending his title at The Players Championship due to a back injury. The Northern Irish golfer, 36, arrived at TPC Sawgrass on Wednesday and says it'll be a “game-time decision” whether he'll tee off on Thursday.


McIlroy withdrew from last week's Arnold Palmer Championship at Bay Hill, citing back spasms. He's been working with a physiotherapist in South Florida and says the injury is “better” but still causing some sensitivity. He's scheduled to tee off at 1:42 p.m. ET alongside Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.


“It's better than it was,” McIlroy said. “I hit up until a 6-iron on the range there, and it felt OK.


“We'll see. I'm taking it sort of hour by hour, but it feels better. I couldn't stand to address the ball on Saturday morning on the range at Bay Hill, and it's obviously better than that.


“So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction. So, hopefully, good night tonight, the drugs are working wonders and then just keep it going from there.”


Rory McIlroy, the second-ranked golfer, withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last Saturday due to a back injury and has been receiving treatment from a physio in West Palm Beach. He's reported improvement and plans to test his back with a driver in Thursday's opening round of The Players Championship, stating he's not experiencing pain, just sensitivity.


“I wouldn't even call it pain. I would say just more like sensitivity,” he said. “Just hitting balls there for a little bit, just feel like my muscles around the area just getting a little bit, like, fatigued. Right adductor started to cramp a little bit. But it's fine. It's expected.


“I'd like to think that the sensitivity will go down as time goes on.”




Rory McIlroy, the five-time major winner and recent Masters champion, isn't stressing about making his back injury worse by playing in The Players Championship this week. He's taking it hour by hour, saying he's not in pain, just experiencing some sensitivity in his glutes and hip flexors.


“What I've been told, obviously I'll listen to the professionals, but there's nothing that I can do that's going to harm that,” he said. “I don't think it's something where if I play I'm at risk of doing any damage.”


PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has unveiled plans to shake up the tour's schedule and format. 

The proposed changes include:
  • Shorter Season: A January to September schedule with 21-26 events, focusing on bigger tournaments and more meaningful matches.
  • Bigger Fields: More 120-player events and fewer low-field no-cut tournaments, aiming for more consistent and competitive fields.
  • Marquee Opener: A high-profile opening event at an iconic West Coast venue, finishing on prime-time TV on the East Coast.
  • Major Markets: Expanding into bigger markets like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco to reach new fans.
  • Relegation and Promotion: Introducing a merit-based system, where players can move up or down between tiers based on performance.
  • Playoff Drama: Enhancing the postseason with possible match play events, adding more excitement and stakes.


“We're aiming to go create a more cohesive schedule with a simpler point system, one where the best players compete against one another more frequently,” Rolapp said.


Rory McIlroy is on board with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp's proposed changes, saying they're heading in the “right direction.” He had a positive chat with Rolapp, praising his efforts to turn the tour around despite many opinions and “cooks in the kitchen.”




McIlroy's backing is significant, given his stature in the golf world. The proposed changes include a shorter season, bigger fields, and more major markets, aiming to boost the tour's appeal and competitiveness.


“It's all pretty positive,“ McIlroy said. “I think what he said today, it's obviously a really good direction of where the tour should be going.”



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