Rory McIlroy told reporters on 5 July 2026 at the Genesis Scottish Open that the PGA Tour’s two‑tier plan must keep national opens open‑entry, or risk losing their identity.
Why did McIlroy speak out now?
The four‑time major champion arrived at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian as one of the favourites for the week‑long event, which doubles as the final preparation for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. While fielding 15 of the world’s top‑20 players, the tournament also marks a turning point for the PGA Tour’s 2028 restructuring. McIlroy used the press conference to flag how the changes could affect historic events.
What did he say about the Scottish Open?
McIlroy praised the Genesis Scottish Open for its growth since becoming a co‑sanctioned PGA Tour‑DP World Tour stop. “Since this event has been co‑sanctioned, it really has went from strength‑to‑strength,” he said, noting the quality of the field, the title sponsor’s commitment and continual course upgrades. He called the tournament “the blueprint for what strong National Opens can be.”
Which other opens could follow the model?
He suggested the Canadian Open might become co‑sanctioned, creating a clear lead‑in to the U.S. Open. “That could be interesting, trying to build out this series of National Opens that have a bit more meaning behind them,” McIlroy added. He acknowledged uncertainty about how the new Championship Series and Challenger Series will slot these events, but insisted they deserve a different treatment than regular PGA Tour signature stops.
What is at stake for the PGA Tour?
McIlroy warned that closing national opens to a limited field would strip them of their fabric. “You can’t call yourself a National Open anymore if it’s a closed‑off tournament,” he cautioned. He urged the Tour to keep open‑entry while still elevating the events, arguing that the tradition and competitive depth are what make them special.
How does this affect McIlroy’s own schedule?
Beyond policy, McIlroy said he has spent the past weeks fine‑tuning his links game, including a practice round at Royal Birkdale. The comments came as he prepared to tee off at the Scottish Open, where he hopes to finish high on the leaderboard before heading to the major at Birkdale.
What’s next for the PGA Tour?
The Tour’s two‑tier format is slated for rollout in 2028, but details remain fluid. McIlroy’s remarks add a player‑centric perspective to the ongoing debate, highlighting the need for balance between commercial growth and preserving the open nature of historic tournaments.