PGA Tour Returns Tour Championship To Stroke Play Starting 2025

Rory McIlroy supports the PGA Tour's decision to eliminate the controversial "starting strokes" format for the 2025 Tour Championship, which now features all 30 players starting on an equal footing. He acknowledges that while he personally believed players leading the FedEx Cup standings deserved an advantage, the majority of fans and players disliked the previous system, prompting the change. McIlroy, who served on the Player Advisory Council, revealed that match play was considered as an alternative format but was ultimately rejected for this year, though it may be revisited in the future. He also discussed the upcoming 2026 PGA Tour schedule, noting the addition of the Miami Championship and the concentration of several big-money, limited-field events in a short span, which he views positively despite the demanding schedule. McIlroy emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the season and expressed willingness to skip events that do not align with his priorities, even if they offer substantial prize money. Overall, McIlroy's insights highlight ongoing efforts by the PGA Tour to refine its postseason and tournament structures to balance competitiveness, fan engagement, and player workload.