Watch Rory McIlroy weigh in on latest debate gripping the golf world

Rory McIlroy weighed in on the latest debate gripping the golf world ahead of his 2026 PGA Tour debut this week in California. 

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman arrived at Pebble Beach on Tuesday to face the media ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. 

But the questions asked weren't about LIV Golf - instead the focus was on whether or not The Players Championship should be elevated to major status. 

Golf Channel analyst and former PGA Tour member, Brandel Chamblee, got tongues wagging last week when he claimed it's already a major and "stands alone" above the four others. 

His comments followed the release of an advertisement for The Players that came with the tagline "March is going to be major".

"I think The Players is one of the best golf tournaments in the world," said McIlroy, who is switching back to his old set of irons this week.

"I don't think anyone disputes that or argues that. I think from a player perspective it's amazing. 

"I think from an on-site fan experience it's amazing. It's an amazing golf course, location, venue.

"But I'm a traditionalist, I'm a historian of the game. We have four major championships. 

"If you want to see what five major championships looks like, look at the women's game. 

"I don't know how well that went for them. But it's The Players. Like it doesn't need to be anything else."

The PGA Championship, generally viewed as the runt of the litter by most golf fans, used to be played in August. 

It moved away to avoid clashing with the NFL. The PGA Tour also wanted to move The Players back to March and the decision also saw the majors played in a tighter sequence. 

McIlroy said the PGA Championship should be viewed as "glory's last shot". 

"I think it needs to go back to August," he said.

Of The Players, McIlroy added: "I like it from an identity standpoint, I think The Players has got it nailed.

"I think The Players ... it is an amazing tournament in its own right and I don't think it being classified a major or not a major makes it any more or any less.

"I'm still very proud to have won that tournament twice as I'm sure all the other champions are. 

"It stands on its own without the label, I guess."

McIlroy won The Players in 2019 and for the second time last season after defeating America's J.J. Spaun in a play-off.