Rory McIlroy: "There are some ANGRY players" right now after PGA Tour changes
Rory McIlroy reveals a number of PGA Tour players are not happy with the new limited field, no-cut Designated Events set for 2024.
Rory McIlroy has revealed "there are some angry players" following the PGA Tour's latest announcement about its no cut, limited-field Designated Events in 2024.
McIlroy, who is the tournament favourite and one of our three golf betting tips at this week's Players Championship at famed TPC Sawgrass, made such comments when quizzed by Golf Channel's Todd Lewis.
When asked if the Tour was "unified" following the changes, McIlroy replied:
Among the biggest changes in the PGA Tour's proposal for eight Designated Events on the schedule next year, tournaments will consist of 70 to 78 players and no longer include a standard 36-hole cut.
One PGA Tour player who went on a rant about the new changes was James Hahn.
McIlroy accused him of "a slap in the face".
Related: PGA Tour boss says "it's awkward" with Cam Smith
GolfMagic Editor Andy Roberts discussed all of the changes in our latest episode of the 'From The Tips' Podcast:
McIlroy last week admitted the changes were not a copy of those made on LIV Golf.
PGA TOUR DESIGNATED EVENTS: CHANGES FOR 2024
- Fields reduced to 70-78 players with no cut
- Field size changes will not apply to majors, The Players or FedEx Cup Playoffs
- Top 50 from previous season's BMW Championship qualify
- 5 spots earned via performance in non-designated events
- PGA Tour members in World's Top 30
- Top 10 players from current FedEx Cup standings not otherwise eligible
- 4 sponsor exemptions for PGA Tour members
Defending the changes, McIlroy said:
McIlroy added:
Not that they will say this, but it's fairly evident the Match Play event is being wiped because it doesn't guarantee the biggest names will be there on the weekend. Such a shame, always think it's been a refreshing change on the PGA Tour schedule.
— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) March 7, 2023
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan yesterday confirmed that the WGC Match Play will no longer continue on the rota from 2024, but that a match play tournament of some kind will be "considered in the future".
That particular decision has not gone down well with GolfMagic Readers judging by the results from our latest poll:
PGA Tour is binning Match Play from 2024. What do we make of that call?
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) March 7, 2023