Players Championship Has Its Own Identity
“The Players is one of the best tournaments in the world,” McIlroy said. “From a player perspective and for fans, it’s amazing. The course, location, and venue are top-notch.”
He praised the tournament for its unique identity, adding that it doesn’t need the label of a fifth major. “I think it already has more of an identity than the PGA Championship at the moment,” he said.
The Players recently launched a campaign for this year’s event with the tagline, ‘March is going to be major.’ McIlroy, however, stresses that tradition matters more than marketing.
Thoughts on Men’s and Women’s Majors
While women’s golf features five major tournaments, McIlroy does not see a need for the men’s game to expand. “Look, I’d love seven majors instead of five—that sounds great,” he said, referencing his two Players wins in addition to his five majors.
“But I’m a traditionalist. Men’s golf has four major championships. If you want to see what five majors look like, look at the women’s game. It hasn’t gone perfectly for them.”
PGA Championship Should Return to August
McIlroy also suggested the US PGA Championship should move back to August. Previously held in August, the tournament shifted to May in 2019, placing it between the Masters and US Open.
He believes restoring it to August would revive its former branding as ‘glory’s last shot’ and give it a clearer identity. “It needs to go back to August,” McIlroy said.
He will make his 2026 PGA Tour debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he will defend his title.
