McIlroy defends PGA Tour reforms amid LIV mockery

Rory McIlroy has defended the mooted reforms in the PGA Tour - which will see the introduction of reduced fields and the removal of cuts in several events - amid the scorn of the rival LIV Tour.

The PGA Tour has approved changes for 2024 that will see reduced fields and no cuts at so-called designated events, according to a memo obtained by Reuters on Wednesday. The sweeping changes, which were outlined in a letter sent to PGA Tour members by Commissioner Jay Monahan, do not apply to all elevated events. These include the four majors, The Players Championship and three FedExCup playoff events, all of which will be unaffected. "These smaller, designated event fields will not only deliver substantial, can't-miss tournaments to our fans at important intervals throughout the season, but they will also enhance the quality of full-field events," wrote Monahan. "Together, this approach provides a schedule that is cohesive, compelling, consequential and with clarity for fans, players and sponsors alike." According to the memo, select designated events in 2024 will feature limited fields of between 70 to 80 players with no cuts taking place after 36 holes and with opportunities for in-form players from full-field events to qualify and compete. By comparison, last month's Phoenix Open, which was the PGA Tour's first fully-fledged designated event, had a field of 136 golfers that was cut to 66 after the second round. Designated events were announced by the PGA Tour last August to get the best players competing against each other more often. The move came amid the threat posed by LIV Golf, which features limited-field, 54-hole events with no cuts and guaranteed prize money for each golfer. "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.