Rory McIlroy's controversial opinion backed by former Ryder Cup winner

Former Ryder Cup winner Stephen Gallacher has echoed Rory McIlroy's view that awarding PGA Tour cards to the top 10 players on the DP World Tour (DPWT) is "incredible". 

The initiative has been discussed at length since it was first introduced as part of the DPTW's "strategic alliance" with the PGA Tour. 

Critics suggest that it weakens the DPWT and only adds to the argument the Wentworth-based circuit has been reduced to a feeder tour. 

Its defenders, such as former DPWT chief executive Keith Pelley, insist it merely formalises a pathway that always existed. 

McIlroy told reporters before last week's PGA Championship that it was "amazing" DPWT players get to feature in some of the PGA Tour's biggest events. 

After McIlroy heaped praise on the initiative, former Masters champion Ian Woosnam questioned how the DPWT was going to bring in sponsorship for tournaments when they are losing players. 

But Gallacher, who lifted the Ryder Cup in 2014 at Gleneagles, is on McIlroy's side. 

"It's a controversial one, but the guys that get into America seem to fly," the Scot said ahead of the Senior Open. 

"People saying maybe it weakens the DP World Tour and what not, but you only need to look at Bob getting the opportunity to go over, [he is now a] multiple Ryder Cup player.

"Aaron Rai going over, the Fitzpatricks, Reitan, you know, he's flying as well. He's won an elevated event, which is huge. So, it's not just the majors they are doing well in."

Gallacher insisted European golf is in a healthy position. 

"You’ve got other guys just below the radar," he said. 

"You know, Harry Hall could easily get in the Ryder Cup. Alex Fitzpatrick could easily get in. Aaron Rai could get in, Reitan could get in, the Hojgaards are playing well.

"Luke Donald wanted to focus on – he’s waited with the way the team gets picked because these top guys are all playing in America. 

"Playing in the better fields, playing for a lot of points. And our boys are flying. Absolutely flying."

Gallacher also backed Rai, who won last week's PGA Championship, to make his Ryder Cup debut for Europe in 2027. 

"Why would you not want to play with someone like him?” Gallacher said. 

"He's got a great temperament and is such a nice guy. You'd want to play with a major winner as your partner, wouldn't you? 

"You know he's got the minerals down the stretch. He's unique in terms of some of the stuff he does. 

"Off the course, though, he's a normal lad. He's similar to Luke Donald. 

"He's kind of what Luke is like. He's very unassuming and very humble.

"He's just a straightforward guy and a hell of a player. 

"We've all known he is a good player, but when you win tournaments like that, it takes you up another level."

What did Rory McIlroy say?

Rory McIlroy said it was amazing to see Kristoffer Reitan win on the PGA Tour and secure a tee time at the PGA Championship. 

"I also think it speaks to the incredible pathway the DP World Tour players have to get their cards," he said. 

"You get your PGA Tour card out of that, play your way into the signature events, and then it's the system working.

"You know, it's the meritocracy. It's that upward trajectory that you can get on when you play well and you shoot the scores. And Kristoffer last week is a prime example of that."

He added: "It was amazing to see. When I finished and I was obviously out of the tournament and didn't have a chance to see all the Europeans up there around the lead, that's amazing. Nicolai, as well. Obviously, Alex; Tommy.

"It just speaks to that incredible pathway for the DP World Tour players, and then also it's a wonderful opportunity for them.

"Kristoffer comes over here, cements himself as a PGA Tour winner [at] arguably one of the biggest events on the Tour. 

"But then also what a great thing that is for the DP World Tour when the PGA Tour finishes in August that Kristoffer will go back, play DP World Tour events until the end of the year, and that brings more attention, that brings more excitement to those tournaments at the end of the year. 

"So I think it's an amazing thing."