"No, I don't think so" - Rory McIlroy delivers blunt verdict on latest PGA Tour announcement

Rory McIlroy believes an adequate number of cards will be available to DP World Tour (DPWT) players seeking to compete in the PGA Tour's Championship Series from 2028.

The North American circuit announced new membership categories for its two-tier structure on 15 September.

It has been confirmed that a Championship Series will run concurrently with a Challenger Series in two years' time, with players switching levels at the end of the season based on performance.

Under the current structure, the leading 10 players on the DPWT earn PGA Tour cards for the following season but it has not been confirmed how many cards will be offered to the top performers on the European-based circuit.

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp said that access for DPWT players in the top tier is currently being discussed, along with extending the strategic alliance.

Rolapp also told reporters in a news conference on Tuesday that the PGA Tour is still not contemplating allowing more players to return from the LIV Golf League.

Asked ahead of the BMW PGA Championship if DPWT players need to be "worried", McIlroy said: "No. I don't think so.

"I just think the conversation about the PGA Tour's structure has changed. From my point of view, I don't see any reason why a DP World Tour player would go to the Challenger Series.

"I don't see that as an upward move in your career. I see it as a very lateral move.

"So it would just be: 'OK, how many cards is reasonable to give to the DP World Tour for the Championship Series?'

"I would imagine that's sort of what they're -- what the ongoing discussions are. But I guess from the DP World Tour -- I mean, obviously I'm a dual member, but I just don't see --

"I mean, you're really trying to create something on this Tour that is a viable alternative to the Challenger Series. Obviously this is going to be a pathway to the Championship Series.

"No one's going to argue that the Championship Series is going to be the highest level of Tour golf that you can play, and then it's just deciding what an adequate number of cards is to go from here to the Championship Series.

"I don't see the Challenger Series as a progression from the DP World Tour, and I would say a lot of players would feel similarly here."

McIlroy is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance last week at the Irish Open.

Although McIlroy made the cut, he finished 21 strokes behind champion Shane Lowry in a tie for 41st.

He told reporters that he has extra motivation to end his season on a high and challenge Patrick Reed for the Race to Dubai title.

Reed said he hopes his duel with McIlroy goes down to the wire.

An eighth Race to Dubai title would see McIlroy match Colin Montgomerie's record.

"I can't believe I'm sitting here with seven," said McIlroy. "So, yeah, I'd love to give myself a chance again.

"Last week wasn't a great week for me in terms of the overall points.

"Patrick had a good week, and I didn't have such a great week. I'm going to have to try to make up for that this week.

"I'm certainly motivated to play well for the rest of the year.

"Still working on some things in my swing, so just trying to have a balance between still keeping an eye on that but trying to play my best golf and give myself some chances to win.

"It doesn't matter who's up there. I think being second right now and being a little ways off first, that's motivation enough to try to finish the year off well."