Rory McIlroy: "There are some ANGRY players" right now after PGA Tour changes

Rory McIlroy reveals a number of PGA Tour players are not happy with the new limited field, no-cut Designated Events set for 2024.

Andy Roberts

08 Mar 2023

Rory McIlroy has revealed "there are some angry players" following the PGA Tour's latest announcement about its no cut, limited-field Designated Events in 2024.

McIlroy, who is the tournament favourite and one of our three golf betting tips at this week's Players Championship at famed TPC Sawgrass, made such comments when quizzed by Golf Channel's Todd Lewis.

When asked if the Tour was "unified" following the changes, McIlroy replied:

"No. There are some angry players about the Tour changes."

Among the biggest changes in the PGA Tour's proposal for eight Designated Events on the schedule next year, tournaments will consist of 70 to 78 players and no longer include a standard 36-hole cut.

One PGA Tour player who went on a rant about the new changes was James Hahn.

McIlroy accused him of "a slap in the face".

Related: PGA Tour boss says "it's awkward" with Cam Smith

GolfMagic Editor Andy Roberts discussed all of the changes in our latest episode of the 'From The Tips' Podcast:

McIlroy last week admitted the changes were not a copy of those made on LIV Golf.

PGA TOUR DESIGNATED EVENTS: CHANGES FOR 2024

Fields reduced to 70-78 players with no cut
Field size changes will not apply to majors, The Players or FedEx Cup Playoffs
Top 50 from previous season's BMW Championship qualify
5 spots earned via performance in non-designated events
PGA Tour members in World's Top 30
Top 10 players from current FedEx Cup standings not otherwise eligible
4 sponsor exemptions for PGA Tour members

Defending the changes, McIlroy said:

"Well we've always had no-cut events on this tour. If you think of like the four WGC's, you've got the three playoffs events, you've got the CJ Cup, the ZOZO [Championship].

"So there's precedent there for no-cut events.

"The only reason no-cut events are a big deal is because LIV has come along.

"So there is precedent for no-cut events. There's been no-cut events since I've been a member of the tour and way beyond that as well."

McIlroy added:

"It [the not cut element] keeps the stars there for four days.

"You ask Mastercard or whoever it is to pay 20 million dollars for a golf event, they want to see the stars at the weekend.

"They want a guarantee that the stars are there.

"So if that's what needs to happen, then that's what happens."

Not that they will say this, but it's fairly evident the Match Play event is being wiped because it doesn't guarantee the biggest names will be there on the weekend. Such a shame, always think it's been a refreshing change on the PGA Tour schedule.
— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) March 7, 2023

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan yesterday confirmed that the WGC Match Play will no longer continue on the rota from 2024, but that a match play tournament of some kind will be "considered in the future".

That particular decision has not gone down well with GolfMagic Readers judging by the results from our latest poll: