Rory McIlroy will continue to ‘pick and choose’ his PGA Tour schedule as he returns to the Memorial Tournament. golf news

Rory McIlroy has joked that he feels like a “part-timer these days” as he prepares to play in just his sixth regular PGA Tour event of the year, with the world No.2 adding that he will continue to “pick and choose” the events he plays.

The six-time major winner has been more selective with his schedule over the past few years and has played just two tournaments since capturing The Masters in April.

After taking some time off following his tied-seventh finish at the PGA Championship last month, McIlroy returns to action at this week’s Memorial Tournament, the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event in Ohio that he decided to skip last year.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve been on the tour more than half my life at this point,” McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday. “I’ll pick and choose my spots like I’ve been doing for the last 18 months to two years.

“Does that mean it makes it harder for me to win the FedEx Cup or whatever the season-long title race is called? Sure, but I’m okay with it because it brings balance to my life and allows me to enjoy things outside of the game.”

McIlroy added: “If I’m playing a limited schedule I’d like to finish myself in that top 100 or whatever (to keep my status).”

The 37-year-old also admitted that the Memorial is one of two tournaments – along with the Tiger Woods-fronted Genesis Invitational – he is particularly keen to win for the first time before his storied career ends.

“I’d say here and Tiger’s event at Riviera, those are the two I’d like to win,” said McIlroy, whose best finish in his 13 appearances at Muirfield Village was fourth in 2016.

“I was lucky enough to win at Bay Hill, but not while Arnold (Palmer) was alive. So I always thought about winning here and walking up the hill from the 18th green and shaking Jack’s hand.

“Also, Jack and I share a beautiful history. We’ve known each other for about 20 years now, or I’ve known him for about 20 years. He’s been nothing but great to me and my family. I’d definitely love to do that.”

McIlroy hopes US Open green speed not ‘out of hand’

This week’s Memorial will be McIlroy’s last event before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills from June 18 and the Northern Irishman undertook a scouting mission to the golf course earlier in the week.

McIlroy said he hopes officials don’t let green speeds “get too out of hand” because he thinks they’re already fast enough.

Several U.S. Open courses in the past have had surfaces so slick that balls rolled off them, with Phil Mickelson incurring a two-shot penalty the last time Shinnecock hosted in 2018, after jogging after hitting his ball in motion.

“The greens roll around 11, 11.2,” McIlroy said. Anything over 12 years is considered fast, and last year’s US Open at Oakmont was between 13 and 14. “I don’t really think they need to be too fast.”

“If they can keep them on that pace, they can solidify them and use the hole positions they want to use without something like the last couple of fights at the US Open.

“It’s all about them just keeping the green momentum where they are and not letting them get out of hand and I think it’s going to be a great week.”

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