Rory McIlroy: Great Golf Venues are Key to PGA Tour's New Era Success
Rory McIlroy emphasized the importance of prestigious golf venues for the PGA Tour's future success, speaking from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am where he sits one shot off the lead after a bogey-free third round 65.
Golfer swings club on green course
"I think really good venues are a big part of the storyline," McIlroy stated, contrasting iconic courses like Pebble Beach with "run of the mill TPC" venues. He noted how major championships benefit from having the course itself as part of the pre-tournament narrative.
Man strolling on beach waterfront
The four-time major winner praised both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill as "two of the best that we play all year," suggesting that premium venues should be central to the PGA Tour's future plans.
Man holding golden trophy
McIlroy acknowledged that different courses suit different players, citing Hilton Head as an example of a venue he personally dislikes but others excel at. Heading into the final round at Pebble Beach, he sits at 15-under-par, demonstrating his own affinity for the legendary coastal layout.
Taking inspiration from World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy aims to limit mistakes in 2025, noting that three of his last four rounds have been bogey-free. "Just really try to limit the mistakes and play smart golf and be a little more like Scottie Scheffler basically," he concluded.