Former PGA Tour member offers opinion on recent Rory McIlroy criticism

Former PGA Tour member turned golf commentator Smylie Kaufman has explained why he believes Rory McIlroy has been criticised in recent weeks. 

McIlroy came under sharp focus during the PGA Championship when news leaked his TaylorMade driver was deemed non-conforming on the eve of the major. 

The Northern Irishman is yet to speak about the topic having decided to ignore the media after each round at Quail Hollow Club. 

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler appeared to suggest what transpired with McIlroy was just a storm in a tea cup, though, given he was also asked to change his equipment. 

McIlroy then raised eyebrows when he decided to skip the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. 

The 36-year-old had previously expressed a desire to trim down his schedule but it turned out he did not even give Nicklaus a heads-up. 

Nicklaus admitted he was surprised with the decision. 

He had played in the annual PGA Tour stop every year since 2017 and is even a two-time winner of the tournament. 

For the past two years the Memorial has also been given signature status. 

McIlroy, Tiger Woods and several high-profile PGA Tour members played a pivotal role in creating the tournaments which feature huge prize purses and limited field. 

They were seen as the PGA Tour's response to the emerging LIV Golf threat.

McIlroy has now missed three signature events of the 2025 season and his absence last week was criticised. 

Former golfer Kaufman - who transitioned into broadcasting in 2023, opened up on the topic during his most recent podcast.

"The criticism with Rory is understood," he said. "They [PGA Tour players] all agreed, let's all commit to play together at signature events, eight times a year, and there's going to be a penalty if you don't play in those events. 

"They were saying to the PGA Tour executives, 'you can all go and charge sponsors more for these events because we will be there playing'. 

"So Rory was a part of this, he was one of the many top players who were advocating towards playing against the best players in the world more. 

"That's where this scrutiny on Rory is coming from."

McIlroy has also decided to play the inaugural DP World Tour India Championship in October.

He has also committed to playing the Australian Open in December and in 2026.

GolfMagic recently discussed why McIlroy has made these choices. 

Kaufman said: "He's going to play more globally, we've seen him do it. I'm a huge advocate for him to go and do that. 

"The only thing I want to mention here is, people don't want to admit it, that boy is getting paid. 

"He's probably going to be making more money than some of the purses he's going to."

Kaufman added: "I'm totally fine with him going and doing these things, and if it takes away from him playing PGA Tour events, I am not overly against it. 

"Rory McIlroy has always been supportive of the DP World Tour. I think he's just realised his priorities and being able to manage a global schedule."

McIlroy is back in action this week at the RBC Canadian Open. 

Our Andy Roberts recently laid out what questions he would like the recently crowned Masters champion to answer when he speaks to the media on Wednesday.