Rory McIlroy Responds To Charley Hoffman Letter Controversy

Rory McIlroy isn’t too happy about a recent letter that seemed to take aim at his playing schedule and commitments.

The drama started when Charley Hoffman sent a letter to PGA Tour players, and McIlroy feels some of those comments were definitely meant for him.

“It seemed like it was pointed at me,” McIlroy said after his latest TGL match in Boston. He’s got a point – the letter specifically mentioned players doing TGL and European Tour events while cutting back on PGA Tour appearances, which pretty much describes McIlroy’s schedule.

Hoffman didn’t pull any punches in his letter: “Many of you keep saying you want to play fewer events, yet you still find time for TGL, Race to Dubai, and other non-PGA Tour events.”

But McIlroy, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, had a clever comeback.

“I think the thing he forgot to mention is the PGA Tour owns 20% of TGL, so he’s criticizing his own product,” McIlroy pointed out with a hint of irony. “They also own a good chunk of European Tour Productions.”

The letter touched on other hot topics too, including the controversial Aon Swing 5 and the tour’s ongoing battle with slow play.

Speaking of slow play, McIlroy thinks a shot clock could help speed things up, similar to what they’re using in TGL. But he’s realistic about the challenges.

“Much easier to do in this controlled environment compared to a golf course that spans 100 or 200 acres,” he admitted.

Slow play has been a real headache for the Tour lately, especially at recent tournaments like the AmEx and Farmers Insurance Open.

McIlroy wrapped up his response with some straight talk: “What every player has to do is look out for themselves. We have to do what’s best for our own individual careers, and yes, at the back of our mind try to help the Tour, but I think the best way for any of us to help the Tour is to tee it up and play as best we can.”

Lucas Glover, who’s won six times on Tour, has jumped into the slow play debate too. The former US Open champ is even calling for a ban on the AimPoint putting method to help speed up play.