McIlroy fires back at Hoffman's criticism
Hoffman’s remarks touched on a lack of commitment from some players to the PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy has responded firmly to comments made by Charley Hoffman, who criticised aspects of the PGA Tour and its players in an open letter earlier this week.
Hoffman’s remarks touched on pace of play, the Aon Swing 5 challenge, and what he perceived as a lack of commitment from some players to the PGA Tour.
Hoffman specifically questioned players participating in events like the TGL and Race to Dubai while simultaneously advocating for lighter schedules.
"The best competition happens when the best players go head-to-head in a deep, competitive field," Hoffman wrote. "Not in small, limited-entry events that leave deserving players on the outside looking in."
McIlroy, speaking ahead of the TGL showdown between Boston Common and Los Angeles Golf Club, didn’t hold back in his response. "I think the thing he forgot to mention is the PGA Tour owns 20% of TGL, so he’s criticising his own product," McIlroy quipped.
Addressing Hoffman’s criticism of the Aon Swing 5 challenge, McIlroy added a pointed remark about Hoffman’s own performance.
"They also own a good chunk of European Tour Productions, so again — I thought some of the elements of the letter were fine, addressing issues. But he was criticizing the Aon Swing 5, where he finished sixth. He talks about doing what’s best for the Tour, but it also seems like he’s talking about himself."
The four-time Major champion also acknowledged feeling personally targeted by some of Hoffman’s comments. "I thought a couple of them were pointed at me a little bit," McIlroy said, referencing his participation in events like the TGL, the Race to Dubai, and other non-PGA Tour competitions.
McIlroy, who has been vocal about managing his schedule, defended his choices.
"Look, what every player has to do is look out for themselves,” he said.
“We have to do what’s best for our own individual careers, and yes, at the back of our minds, try to do whatever we can to help the Tour. But I think the best way for any of us to help the Tour is to tee it up and play as best we can."
