Rory McIlroy reflected on his 2023 season, including mixed performances and the loss at the US Open, despite his successes in the Dubai Desert Classic and the Ryder Cup, and his recent Race to Dubai crown; he supported increased co-sanctioned events and indicated his understanding that the competitive landscape is changing with the formalization of the pathway between the European Tour and PGA Tour.
At Glance
‣ Rory McIlroy is still ruing his near-miss at the US Open and reflects on his year
‣ McIlroy won his fifth Race to Dubai crown in 2021, leaving him third on the all-time list for most Order of Merits
‣ McIlroy is in favor of more co-sanctioned events and would like to see more events on the PGA Tour’s calendar outside of America
‣ McIlroy remains tight-lipped and keeps details within walls regarding the potential deal between the PGA Tour and Saudia Arabia’s Public Investment Fund
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Rory McIlroy has had a topsy-turvy year and is still thinking about his near-miss at the US Open. Despite this, he reflects on his year as a 7 out of 10, crediting his victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and his standout play at the Ryder Cup. McIlroy expressed his feelings about missing a win at the US Open, stating that he is still not going to let that take away from the fact that it’s been another really consistent, solid year with some really good performances.
McIlroy is proud to be a five-time Race to Dubai champion, having worked hard for his unassailable lead. He expressed his gratitude for the achievement, stating that he doesn’t take it for granted and that it shows the consistency that he has played with over the last few years. He added that even though he feels like he’s had a good year, he doesn’t feel like he’s had a great year, but he can still achieve things like this.
The golfer emphasized his interest in co-sanctioned events and his hope for more of these events to happen. McIlroy believes that events like The Scottish Open or other National Opens contribute to the great tradition of golf and would be really good for the sport.
However, McIlroy kept tight-lipped about the ongoing potential of a deal between the PGA Tour and Saudia Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). He emphasized the need for secrecy and stated that they are trying to keep it within walls and will share the news when there’s something concrete to tell.
Regarding the PGA Tour-DP World Tour pathway, McIlroy believes that it is simply formalizing a long-existing pathway for professional golfers to play their sport and make a living. He argued that it is an amazing thing that formalizes a pathway to get to the very top level of professional golf for golfers playing on The European Tour.
