Rory McIlroy is keen to “shorten” the season given how packed the schedule is this year.
By the end of the year, McIlroy will have played in 27 tournaments, including all four majors, the Olympics, the PGA Tour Play-In and the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai.
2
Although McIlroy once again missed out on major glory this year, he still had a great season.
He won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January and followed that up with wins at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship in the spring.
But since his disastrous defeat at the U.S. Open in June this year, his form has begun to decline. He failed to qualify at the Royal Troon Open and ranked only ninth in the FedEx Cup standings.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman is now keen to reassess his schedule and reduce his commitments for next season.
Asked how many tournaments in a year is too many, McIlroy responded: “27.
“I usually look like I’m 22. But back then I was probably in my 20s and didn’t have the responsibilities I have now.
“I think going forward I’ll try to reduce it to about 18 to 20 per year.
“It’s been a long season and I just have to think about trying to get some extra rest next year and in the future.
“I feel like I hit a bit of a plateau after the U.S. Open and can still feel a little bit of the hangover.”
This fall, McIlroy will compete in the Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and Alfred Dunhill Links before returning to the UAE in November for the season-ending DP World Tour event.
2
He added: “Obviously, my season isn't over yet. I still have five games to go.”
“But yeah, I feel like with the competitions coming up, and obviously adding the Olympics into the mix this year, it’s all been a little more compact.”
McIlroy's comments caught the attention of golf fans, who were quick to joke about LIV Golf's shortened season.
Although McIlroy has been opposed to joining the LIV, the league's 14-event schedule plus four majors does fit in with what he would like to play.
One fan said: “Rory McIlroy said he wants to reduce his schedule to playing tournaments. It will be 18 or 20 tournaments per year from now on, the LIV schedule is 14 events, plus all 4 majors. Just saying…”
Another fan added: “Rory McIlroy's 18-20 tournaments in 2025 – all 14 LIV Golf League events, 4 majors, Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Genesis Scottish Open, looks pretty good to me.”
Another said: “This will be a huge success! Also, team golf will boost Rory's confidence and he may even win a major in 2025.”
There are no signs that McIlroy will be considering his future during the offseason, but PGA Tour fans may have to accept not seeing the four-time major champion next season.
