Overview
- Rory McIlroy shot a five-under 65 to share the early lead at the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club on Thursday.
- McIlroy said he is playing a lighter schedule to see his family and regain balance and credited that approach with improving his ball striking and putting this week.
- He warned the PGA Tour to “be careful” with its approved-in-concept plan to create Championship and Challenger tiers in 2028 because barring Championship players from Challenger events could strip national opens of top names.
- Under the plan approved by PGA Tour leadership, Championship events would feature about 120 players and roughly $20 million minimum purses, a level far above the Scottish Open’s current prize fund, and leading players have urged carve-outs for tradition-rich events.
- There are unconfirmed reports that McIlroy could seek or receive an exemption to retain home‑tour membership despite reduced starts, and the next developments to watch are player responses and formal rules from PGA Tour leadership.