Again-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy believes the PGA Tour are giving followers what they need by introducing matchplay to their end-of-season play-offs.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp confirmed on Thursday that from 2028 the Tour Championship can be performed throughout two weeks, at two completely different programs, and undertake a head-to-head format.
World quantity two McIlroy, who’s a three-time winner of the FedEx Cup, feels the return of matchplay to the PGA Tour for the primary time since 2023 reveals followers have been listened to by the decision-makers.
“I feel the PGA Tour and the Future Competitors Committee and Brian and everybody concerned have actually taken on board what the followers have been calling for and have wished, which is matchplay,” stated the Northern Irishman, 37.
“Brian took me by means of the plan final week for the primary time. I did not actually know something about it. It is definitely completely different.
“Two weeks, two completely different venues, however it’s cool. I feel they’ve taken a giant swing, and conceptually, I feel I actually prefer it.”
The FedEx Cup play-offs have have gone by means of quite a few iterations throughout their 20 years, presently consisting of a three-event strokeplay sequence which begins with the highest 70 gamers from the season-long factors listing.
This week’s concluding Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta could have a $40m (£29.3m) purse, and whereas the occasions have undoubtedly been profitable for gamers, there have been constant questions relating to fan engagement.
McIlroy added: “I feel they have been nice for gamers. Clearly we play for a ton of cash, and it is kind of just like the fruits of your entire season.
“The gamers have been rewarded. I feel what the Tour are actually making an attempt to do is take heed to the followers and what they need, and I feel this concept of matchplay over two weeks is one thing that got here largely from what the those who watch golf wished, so I feel that is a very good factor.”
