Rory McIlroy has called for golf's major championship season to be extended beyond its current four-month window. The current schedule, which compresses the majors into a short period, was introduced seven years ago when the PGA Championship was moved from August to May. McIlroy, who is competing at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, believes the condensed schedule impacts the sport's visibility and general interest.
"I'd like to see the major season spread out a little bit longer," McIlroy said. "The Masters is always going to have the build-up, but then PGA into US Open, US Open into here, it just seems like it's very, very quick."
McIlroy, a two-time Masters champion, also discussed his affinity for Royal Birkdale, where he finished tied for fourth in 2017. He described the course as fair and suitable for his playing style.
Meanwhile, the Open Championship has released its tee times, pairing top players in marquee groupings. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will play alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton, while McIlroy is grouped with Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick. Scheffler, the world No. 1, is seeking his fifth major title, while DeChambeau faces scrutiny after missing cuts in three consecutive majors.
Scheffler, when asked about legacy, made a candid remark: "I don't really play for a place in history. This is going to sound a little morbid, but at the end of the day, I'm going to live my life and then it's going to end."
Justin Rose, a former Open Championship contender, returns to Royal Birkdale, where he made his mark as a 17-year-old amateur. Rose, now 45, remains optimistic about winning his first Claret Jug. "The Open Championship for a British player is the pinnacle of the game," he said.
Jon Rahm, another top contender, plans a cautious approach due to the firm conditions at Birkdale. "If you start pulling out drivers in an Open Championship, you can do a good job short term," Rahm said. "But over four rounds, you're going to start finding spots you don't want to be in."
Tommy Fleetwood, a fan favorite, expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. "Golf is a very individual sport, and I feel like I spend my life chasing my goals and dreams," Fleetwood said. "But to see people emotionally invested in you is very special."
The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale promises to be a compelling event, with top players vying for the Claret Jug under challenging conditions.