Rory McIlroy confirms change to golf schedule US fans will be gutted about

Rory McIlroy speaks to the media during a press conference (Image: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy has hinted at a significant cutback in his US tournament appearances from next year. The four-time major champion, who is currently vying for his third straight DP World Tour Championship title, could equal the legendary Seve Ballesteros with six titles if he triumphs this Sunday.

Despite leading the Race to Dubai rankings and having a successful season, McIlroy, aged 35, is contemplating scaling down his busy schedule of 27 tournaments this year to approximately 20 in 2025.

It appears that it's the American leg of his tour that will be trimmed. "There's a few tournaments that I played this year that I don't usually play and that I might not play next year," McIlroy revealed.

"Like, I played the Cognizant [Classic] in Palm Beach Gardens, [the Texas Open in] San Antonio and the [RBC Heritage in] Hilton Head.

"And I'll probably not play the first play-off event in Memphis. I mean, I finished basically dead last there this year and only moved down one spot in the play-off standings."

Rory McIlroy won the Race to Dubai trophy for the fifth time in 2023 (Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Despite owning a residence in Jupiter, Florida, and previously spending a lot of time on the east coast, McIlroy's professional commitments seem set to change. 

He confirmed his ongoing dedication to several preferred events, particularly those closer to home.

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The golf icon has made it clear he's keen to narrow down his tournament schedule. "Yeah, I think I'm not going to miss these tournaments in the Middle East," he explained.

"I'm not going to miss Wentworth. I'm not going to miss the Irish Open. I'm not going to miss The Scottish Open.

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"But there was a few events this year in America that I played that I don't typically play, and I think that's where I'm going to have to trim a little bit. But yeah, I have to remember, I'm 35 now. I'm not 23."

This move is set to affect more of the PGA Tour events than those on the DP World Tour, offering some relief to organisers.

However, McIlroy fans could still see him in action in Dubai, where he's gunning for Colin Montgomerie's record of eight DP World Tour Championship titles.