Rory McIlroy had questioned the PGA Tour’s Track 2 model and its impact on historic events.
'Glorified KFT Event': Rory McIlroy Raises Concerns Over PGA Tour Track 2 Format
June 17 2026, Published 9:37 a.m. ET
Rory McIlroy recently raised concerns over the PGA Tour Track 2 format ahead of the U.S. Open. "I don't really know. ... an event like last week, the Canadian Open, potentially going to one of these track 2s. Track 2 is a glorified Korn Ferry event. That's what track 2 is going to be," he stated on Tuesday, June 16.
"So I don't think the Canadian Open should be one of those."
Rory McIlroy commented on PGA Tour's plan of Track 2 events.
Rory McIlroy Explains His Stance Amid PGA Tour Format Changes
Rory McIlroy focused on smart shot choices to avoid costly mistakes during tough course setups.
"Yeah, I just think there's going to be certain events that might lose their stature if a sponsor doesn't pony up $30 million. So that's the tough thing."
However, the six-time major champion stated he was not part of the key decisions. The Northern Irish athlete said he would focus on his own schedule, which has become shorter with each year.
Rory McIlroy Says Old PGA Tour Format 'Worked Pretty Well' Before LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy explained how wind conditions could affect players' decisions on the course.
McIlroy also reflected on the Tour's old structure before LIV Golf arrived. "It was a pretty good structure and everything sort of worked pretty well."
"LIV created this false economy where we had to up prize funds and had to cut fields and try to support the top players and all that stuff, which I think needed to happen because that was the only way to retain talent at the time, but now that LIV looks like it's less of a threat, I think, as I said, the old ways of the PGA Tour weren't actually that bad."
Rory McIlroy Details His Strategy To Handle Tough Course Conditions
Rory McIlroy admitted his patient approach helped him move closer to another major title.
The three-time FedEx Cup champion further discussed the importance of strategy and shot selection on the course. He used the first hole as an example and said players could try to get the ball close to the green with the right wind. However, he noted that golfers must decide if the reward is worth the risk, as a missed shot could leave them in a tough position.
"So I think this course, it demands so much patience and it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn't. 13 is a good example. If you get the right wind direction, as well, you can get it close to the green there."
Rory McIlroy said large greens and wide fairways still required careful course management.
McIlroy explained that the course offers wide fairways and large greens, but the weather could play a key role. With strong winds in the forecast, he felt the safest plan would be to target the middle of the greens and rely on the putter from there. This approach would help players avoid major mistakes even with tough pin positions.
"The strategy that I've employed at the U.S. Open over the past few years has been a lot like that and that's served me well. It hasn't gotten me the trophy, but it's gotten me pretty close a few years."
"But I definitely feel like I've become a lot better of a U.S. Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much."