League: PGA Tour Sport: Golf Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

PGA Tour faces criticism after Rory McIlroy's US Open comments

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 5:30 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

PGA Tour faces criticism after Rory McIlroy's US Open comments

Summary

The PGA Tour is cautioned about its strategy to discourage top players from participating in lower-tier events, following Rory McIlroy's remarks ahead of the US Open. McIlroy described these lower-tier competitions as 'glorified Korn Ferry Tour tournaments.' Concerns have been raised regarding the potential lack of star power in these events. Journalist Alan Shipnuck suggests that McIlroy's comments hold some truth, proposing that top players should still have the opportunity to compete in select lower-tier tournaments. As McIlroy's playing schedule remains limited, the Tour's push for marquee names to play in every top event could face significant challenges moving forward.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•McIlroy criticizes the PGA Tour's two-tier event structure.
•He refers to lower-tier tournaments as 'glorified Korn Ferry Tour tournaments.'
•Analysts suggest a need for tier one players in lower-tier events.
•McIlroy has played only two PGA Tour events since The Masters.
•The Tour's strategy could struggle without top names participating.

Latest Updates

5:30 PMYahoo Sports — The PGA Tour warned it is making a big mistake after Rory McIlroy’s comments at the US Open, ‘that was harsh’

What they're saying

"
The PGA Tour has been warned it is making a real error by pushing for the top players to not play in any track two events, following Rory McIlroy’s comments about the mooted split ahead of the US Open. McIlroy was asked about the prospect of playing on a PGA Tour that is split into two tiers, with Brian Rolapp attempting to get all of his marquee names playing together much more often.
— Yahoo Sports

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