Sir Nick Faldo believes that Rory McIlroy is absolutely right to only play a limited schedule on the PGA Tour as he looks to add to his tally of six major victories.
McIlroy has completely changed his approach over the past 18 months. Of course, the Northern Irishman was previously one of the most reliable figures the PGA Tour had, particularly when the tour was fighting to stave off the threat of LIV Golf.
Advertisement
However, the victory at The Masters in 2025 has seemingly made McIlroy reevaluate how he approaches the four biggest events of the year.
Sir Nick Faldo comments on Rory McIlroy playing a limited PGA Tour schedule
McIlroy was vindicated for doing most of his practice at Augusta National this year as he retained his Masters crown.
He has only played in three PGA Tour events since The Masters. It was difficult not to feel that McIlroy paid the price during the third round of the Scottish Open, as he made a number of sloppy mistakes which ultimately cost him the tournament.
But speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Sir Nick Faldo backed McIlroy’s strategy, particularly after bumping into him during a practice round at Royal Birkdale ahead of The Open Championship.
Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
“He snuck in. He should have told me he was coming in under the radar. I would have tried to not post it. He sneaked in. That’s what he wanted to do. That’s what he’s been doing recently. He’s in that period of his life or career where he has this great opportunity. I absolutely 100 per cent agree with this,” he said.
Advertisement
“You’ve had that career and the most important thing is the majors, if I wanted to win a major, I’d do what Harry Vardon did. Harry Vardon used to come for two weeks before The Open, play 36 a day, how about that for two weeks before an Open? That’s why he won seven of them.
“So if I could do it all again, and then I’m thinking all I want to do is win majors, now they let you. They let you park yourself and come in each day. They’ve shut the course for two weeks. You could tootle round here, nobody here, and really get to know it. I think it’s a good game plan for him. He comes here fresh. He’s seen it.”
Why the PGA Tour must not penalise Rory McIlroy for missing track one events
McIlroy’s current schedule does not do Brian Rolapp many favours at a time when the PGA Tour is looking to make significant changes.
Advertisement
The introduction of the Championship Series is designed to have the best players facing off on a consistent basis. Obviously, McIlroy is unlikely to be there every single week.
However, McIlroy should still play a big part in the PGA Tour’s future.
Firstly, it seems imperative that there is an exemption – perhaps for being a Career Grand Slam winner – that allows McIlroy to remain eligible for Championship Series events.
McIlroy is the game’s biggest superstar since Tiger Woods. And while it would be fantastic for the tour if he did decide to play in every single track one event from 2028, that is almost certainly not going to happen.
Advertisement
So the weeks when he does play are going to feel even bigger. Some tournaments will lose out, but those featuring McIlroy will receive a significant bump – particularly if he is still contending in the majors.
Read the full article here
