Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
Rory McIlroy says he felt like Charley Hoffman’s heated letter towards the PGA Tour membership “was pointed towards me.”
Hoffman called out his fellow PGA Tour pros on Sunday in a letter sent out as McIlroy was cruising to the winning line at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The 48-year-old covered various topics including the Aon Swing 5 and the pace of play debate, but his strongest comments regarded players showing a perceived lack of commitment to the PGA Tour.
“Many of you keep saying you want to play fewer events, yet you still find time for TGL, Race to Dubai, and other non-PGA Tour events, and that’s going to continue regardless of field size,” Hoffman wrote.
• Chamblee says “two things holding McIlroy back” in majors
• Say hello to the 6 new LIV Golf League signings for 2025
“The best competition happens when the best players go head-to-head in a deep, competitive field — not in small, limited-entry events that leave deserving players on the outside looking in.”
McIlroy had chance to read Hoffman’s letter before arriving at the So-Fi Center in Florida on Tuesday night, where his Boston Common team were defeated in TGL.
As usual, he gave a considered 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 told reporters.
• Commentator claims Joaquin Niemann “not as good as LIV say he is”
• Billy Horschel: PGA Tour event has ‘crossed the line’
“They also own a good chunk of European Tour Productions, so again – I thought some of the elements of the letter were fine, addressed some issues. He was criticizing the Aon Swing 5. He was sixth in that. He talks about having it be for the good of the Tour, but he’s also talking about himself, as well.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
More Reads

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses