McIlroy predicts European and PGA Tours will merge
Rory McIlroy believes it is inevitable that the PGA and European Tours will merge into a world event.
The former world number one suspects that talks have already taken place about the two organisations coming together, with the US-based PGA Tour buying out its European rival.
Many of Europe’s leading players already play in the US, yet are faced with the dilemma of playing several tournaments on their home continent to be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
The idea of a ‘World Tour’ was proposed by ex-Open champion Greg Norman during the 1990s, before coming to naught, but McIlroy is confident that it will eventually become a reality.
"The World Tour – it's going to happen one day and I think it has to," said the Northern Irishman.
"I think everyone has to come together. I don't see any other way.
"To have all these tours competing against each other, and having to change dates, it's counter-productive.
"The easy thing would be for the PGA Tour to buy the European Tour and take it from there.
"They could still run the European events and we'll have, say, 12 big events a year, outside the majors, a bit like they do in tennis.
"I don't see any other way. I know discussions have taken place, so maybe one day."
Latest
-
NewsOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.