McIlroy opposes Players Championship as fifth major

Rory McIlroy has added his opinion to the current discussion concerning elevating the Players Championship to golf’s fifth major. 

The two-time Players winner spoke candidly to reporters on Tuesday at the press conference for this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, praising the event’s quality while firmly stating it stands strong without that designation.

McIlroy called the Players one of the best tournaments in the world, noting its appeal from a player’s perspective and for on-site fans, along with the outstanding golf course, location, and venue. 

He acknowledged its strong identity, even suggesting it surpasses the current PGA Championship in that regard. “But it’s the Players, it doesn’t need to be anything else,” he said. “I don’t think it being classified [as] a major or not a major makes it any more or any less.”

A self-described traditionalist and historian of the game, McIlroy pointed to the four established majors, the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open, as sufficient for men’s professional golf. 

He referenced the LPGA’s five-major schedule as a model that has not worked particularly well. 

McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory last season, emphasised that competing for those four events provides enough challenge and prestige.

The conversation gained traction after the PGA Tour’s promotional trailer for the upcoming Players event used the slogan “March is going to be major.” Phil Mickelson, the 2007 Players champion, quickly countered on social media: “I’ve won it. It’s not.” 

McIlroy echoed that sentiment, proud of his own two victories, including last year’s playoff win over J.J. Spaun. 

He argued the tournament holds its value independently, without needing major status to affirm its elite standing.

McIlroy also offered thoughts on the PGA Championship, proposing it return to August as the season’s final major, dubbing it “glory’s last shot.” This aligns with his preference for preserving the traditional calendar rhythm. 

The Players remains a pinnacle non-major due to its deep field, as it has had no repeat winner except Scottie Scheffler in 2023-24.