McIlroy to Continue Selective PGA Tour Schedule, Returns at Memorial
12 verified3 unconfirmed
Rory McIlroy said he will continue to “pick and choose” the events he plays on the PGA Tour, joking that he feels like a “part-timer these days.” The six-time major winner has been more selective with his schedule over the past couple of years and has only played two tournaments since retaining the Masters title in April. He makes his return at this week’s Memorial Tournament, an event he chose to skip last year. McIlroy admitted the Memorial and the Tiger Woods-hosted Genesis Invitational are the two tournaments he most wants to win. He also noted that the Memorial is his last event before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills later this month and provided his assessment of the course conditions there.
What’s verified
Rory McIlroy said he will continue to “pick and choose” the events he plays on the PGA Tour.
He joked that he feels like a “part-timer these days.”
He has been more selective with his schedule over the past couple of years.
He has only played two tournaments since retaining the Masters title in April.
He returns to action at this week’s Memorial Tournament, which he skipped in 2025.
He said the Memorial and the Genesis Invitational are the two tournaments he would love to win.
His best finish in 13 appearances at Muirfield Village was a tie for fourth in 2016.
He expressed a desire to win the Memorial to “shake Jack’s hand” and noted he has known Jack Nicklaus for nearly 20 years.
This week’s Memorial is his last event before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
He scouted the Shinnecock course earlier this week.
He said the greens at Shinnecock are rolling around 11 to 11.2 and hopes officials do not let them get significantly faster.
He referenced the controversy at the 2018 US Open when Phil Mickelson hit a moving ball.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that McIlroy is playing only his sixth regular PGA Tour event of 2026.
One source reported that McIlroy is grouped with Justin Thomas and begins play at 15:25 BST on Thursday.
One source reported that McIlroy stated he would “back myself to finish in that top 100 or whatever it is [to retain my status] if I play a limited schedule.”
Key figures
Rory McIlroy, Brian Rolapp, Justin Thomas, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson.
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
