Rory McIlroy. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy quietly disses PGA of America's prized possession

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Rory McIlroy is never afraid to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way. Ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open, the World No. 2 felt bold enough to take a subtle shot at the PGA of America's headquarters.

"I would love to win an Open at [Royal] Portrush, absolutely," McIlroy told reporters at The Renaissance Club Wednesday. "I would love to win an Open at St Andrews. I would love to win a U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I’d love to win a PGA at PGA Frisco… not."

McIlroy paused to chuckle at his clever jab before finishing his thought.

"But it's like there's venues in the game that just mean a little bit more," he said. "Frisco might get there one day. Who knows?"

PGA of America execs waking up to a doozy of a drive-by this morning pic.twitter.com/OkkJSOCNqs
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) July 9, 2025

For context, the PGA of America moved its headquarters to Frisco, Texas, in 2022. The new HQ, PGA Frisco, features two championship golf courses, a short course and an Omni Hotel. The PGA of America wants PGA Frisco to become a regular stop for the top tours in the world.

PGA Frisco has already hosted the 2023 Senior PGA Championship and the 2025 Women's PGA Championship. It's scheduled to host the PGA Championship in 2027 and 2034.

The big difference between PGA Frisco and other major championship venues is the history. PGA Frisco is a brand-new golf facility with no past champions or memorable moments. Professional golfers strive to win on storied venues such as St. Andrews or Pebble Beach to accomplish exactly what the greats before them did — not win on an artificial major championship venue with no history.

PGA Frisco could grow to become an iconic venue in time, but McIlroy will be done playing professionally long before that day comes. The Northern Irishman just waited until he was overseas in Scotland before bashing the PGA of America for its controversial game plan moving forward.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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