Some golfers might be wondering where Rory McIlroy has been this season. Only 5 starts so far, plus a withdrawal due to injury – that's unusual for a top player like him in 2026. But after his recent triumph at the Masters at Augusta National, the champion is now back and has a clear message for everyone criticizing his tournament schedule.
Rory, the six-time major champion, didn't hold back on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. He sees his selective scheduling not as laziness, but as a deliberate strategy. And in doing so, he looks to none other than the GOAT himself as a role model: Tiger Woods. "What Scottie and I are doing right now is no different," said McIlroy, also defending Scottie Scheffler, who similarly chooses his starts carefully. Entirely in the style of Tiger, who also meticulously selected his events to be in peak form and secure the win.
Less is Sometimes More
The message is clear: top players will no longer be at every random event. Rory believes the golf community will have to get used to it. "People will simply have to accept that," he stated. For him, the true value of the sport lies not in individual players, but in the PGA Tour as a platform itself. A bold statement, but with a grain of truth: "We are all replaceable."
Rory Is Back in Action
This week, Rory McIlroy is back in the mix at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club. After his Masters victory, his motivation should be incredibly strong to conjure up another fantastic round on the green here. His approach of prioritizing quality over quantity seems to be paying off for him personally – and the results prove him right.
