“It’s a Shame”: Rory McIlroy Says Match Play Has Faded Beyond Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup

May 12, 2026, 10:04 PM CUT

As world No. 2 Rory McIlroy competes for his seventh major victory at the PGA Championship this week, he expressed his wish for more match-play tournaments in the sport.

Every year, rumors arise that the PGA Championship might revert to its original match-play format. However, that has yet to come to pass.

“I think it's a shame that we don't have any matchplay, really, in the schedule apart from the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup,” said McIlroy.

Both the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup use the format to create high-stakes, head-to-head drama.

From 1916 to 1957, the PGA Championship used a match-play format. Thirty-six holes of stroke play determined the 32 qualifiers. Following that were nine rounds of match play, and often the winner played more than 200 holes to secure the major.

However, in 1958, the championship aligned itself with the other majors as it shifted to the traditional 72-hole stroke-play format.

“Matchplay has been a big talking point, possibly talking about it for the Tour Championship at the end of the year going forward,” added McIlroy.

Reports are currently circulating that the Tour Championship might resume using the match-play format. McIlroy went on to describe it as “the purest form of the game.”

McIlroy now looks to build on his successful PGA Championship legacy at Aronimink.

McIlroy At The PGA Championship

McIlroy has already lifted the Wanamaker Trophy twice, in 2012 and 2014.

The 37-year-old’s victory in 2012 was historic as he broke Jack Nicklaus’ 1980 record winning margin of seven strokes. McIlroy shot 13-under par and ended up winning the major by eight shots.

Two years later, the Irishman came out on top at Valhalla, defeating Phil Mickelson by one shot.

Having already won a major this year, McIlroy will hope to continue his rich run of form at Aronimink Golf Club.