Rory McIlroy Makes Strong Statement on PGA Tour's Decision
Rory McIlroy Makes Strong Statement on PGA Tour's Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As players on the PGA Tour gear up for one final tune-up before the U.S. Open, attention turns to the RBC Canadian Open. Some of the game's top names will tee it up in Canada while others use the week for final preparations before heading to historic Oakmont Country Club next week.
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Among those in the field is career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy, who shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the PGA Tour, showing strong support for the growing PGA Tour University program.
"That's the future of the tour," McIlroy said. "I love that PGA Tour U program."
A big part of that discussion centered around 21-year-old Luke Clanton, who will make his PGA Tour professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open before heading to the U.S. Open the following week.
"It seems like these college kids are coming out just ready," McIlroy continued. "You look at the past few years, Ludvig (Aberg), for example, Michael Thorbjornsen and obviously Luke. I think this PGA Tour U program is so good. If it were up to me, I'd give the college kids five or 10 spots on tour instead of just one.
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"Bringing new blood through every year is so important for the Tour."
Rory McIlroy enters this week's RBC Canadian Open with three wins in nine PGA Tour starts in 2025. Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Clanton, a Florida State product from Hialeah, Florida, already has major experience. He made the cut at the 2023 U.S. Open and finished tied for 41st. Earlier this season, he secured enough points at the Cognizant Classic to lock in PGA Tour membership.
McIlroy, meanwhile, heads to Oakmont in search of his sixth career major. His last U.S. Open title came in 2011. He won the Masters in April and finished tied for 47th at the PGA Championship last month.
As the U.S. Open approaches, the excitement around Clanton's debut and McIlroy's quest for another major title will be two big storylines to follow.
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Related: Scottie Scheffler Earns New Nickname After 16th PGA Tour Win
Related: Rory McIlroy Sends Strong Message to Scottie Scheffler After 16th PGA Tour Win
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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