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Rory McIlroy’s thoughts on PGA Tour’s Signature Event system revealed by golf pundit

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 12:14 PM ET

Rory McIlroy has already won one of PGA Tour’s Signature Events this season – but what does he really think about the format?

The PGA Tour introduced the Signature Event in 2023 with the intention of creating a format to compete with LIV Golf’s growing influence. However, McIlroy’s view on the structure isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

Originally known as “designated events,” the eight-tournament series has drawn plenty of attention in 2025. While the increased prize money and stronger fields have been a hit with many fans, McIlroy has noted some issues with the scheduling.

What does Rory McIlroy think about the PGA’s Tour Signature Event?

McIlroy has already spoken about the impact of playing a Signature Event immediately after a mentally taxing major championship. While he sees value in hosting one before a major – as a way to sharpen his game – the quick turnaround after a major is a different story.

The Northern Irishman’s 2025 win came at Pebble Beach, one of the more popular stops on the Signature Event calendar. Still, he’s raised questions about how the series fits into the wider PGA Tour schedule.

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During a recent episode of The Dan on Golf Podcast, Dan Rapaport discussed a conversation he had with McIlroy about the Signature Event series.

He said: “I asked Rory about this earlier in the week when I was at the Travelers. I said, ‘How do you feel three years in, if the Signature Event model is working?’ And he said, ‘I think it is working if you look at the tournaments we’ve had and the winners we’ve had.’”

The PGA Tour hasn’t found the perfect Signature Event system

While Signature Events have brought added prestige and attention to certain tournaments, not everyone is convinced the system is perfect yet.

Bryson DeChambeau predicted last year that LIV golfers would end up integrating into PGA Tour Signature Events, but that hasn’t happened so far.

Meanwhile, the tour has also faced criticism for how some spots in the field are allocated. Rickie Fowler, for example, received a sponsor’s exemption into the Travelers Championship – and his second-round 77 raised questions about that decision, despite a strong bounce back over the weekend to finish tied for 36th.

Two main concerns remain: the timing of the events and their proximity to major championships. With all eight Signature Events wrapped up before the peak of summer, some players feel the schedule is too condensed.

Playing a top-tier event right after a major also remains a sticking point, even if the Travelers was generally considered a success.

If the PGA Tour wants fans and players to embrace the Signature Events, they probably will have to revisit the structure and timing of the upcoming series.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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