McIlroy Regrets Abolition of Staggered Start System

Interview Ahead of Eighth Consecutive Tour Championship Appearance
"Players Who Excelled All Season Deserve an Advantage"

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) defended the staggered start system that was implemented until last year.

At the official press conference held on the 19th (local time), two days before the start of the PGA Tour Playoffs final event, the Tour Championship, he began by saying, "I don't think the staggered start system was bad." The staggered start system refers to a format where players begin the tournament with under-par scores based on their FedEx Cup ranking. Last year, Scottie Scheffler (USA), who was ranked No. 1 in the FedEx Cup, started the Tour Championship at 10-under par. After criticism that the outcome was too predictable, this year all 30 participating players will start from the same score.

Rory McIlroy is answering questions from the press at the Tour Championship official press conference. Atlanta=EPA·Yonhap News

Prefacing his remarks by saying, "I know not many people agree with me," McIlroy added, "I believe the player who performed best throughout the season should naturally have some sort of advantage. If the staggered start system had been kept this year, Scheffler would have started with a two-shot lead, but considering the dominant performance he has shown this season, even that doesn't seem enough."

However, he also highlighted the positive aspects of abolishing the staggered start system, saying, "Now, players who didn't stand out during the season have a chance to compete for a big prize in the final event, while those who already had a good season have an opportunity to firmly cap off their achievements."

He also welcomed the tournament schedule announced that day for next year. Regarding the concentration of four major championships and five signature events within four months from the Masters to the PGA Championship, McIlroy explained, "It's good that the excitement gradually builds from January to March, reaches its peak at the Masters, and then carries over to the PGA Championship and the US Open. The schedule may be tight, but since most events are held in the eastern region, travel shouldn't be too difficult."