A Full Time Rory Will Help PGA Tour

The decision by Rory McIlroy to play full time on The US PGA Tour in 2010 comes at a critical time for the US PGA Tour. With Tiger Woods, the biggest draw in golf taking an indefinite leave, it puts the tour in the unenviable position of trying to keep those television ratings up while its most popular attraction has disappeared. McIlroy has showed he has the golf game to contend with the best in the world and he has the image that appeals to a younger generation of fans.

McIlroy has climbed to number nine in the World Golf Rankings and his performance on an international schedule last year proves that he may be ready to break through on the US Tour. His commitment to play in the US and still meet his European Tour obligations will test the youngster and his dedication to the game. In 1999 when Sergio Garcia blasted on to the scene at the PGA tournament and challenged Woods, he was billed as the next great European golfer. He was to be Tiger’s biggest challenger and test Woods at major after major. We are still waiting for Sergio to win his first major; so much for the next big thing.

There are some who think Rory should continue to play a full European Tour schedule and only play in some selected US tournaments. Rory would be a more dominant golfer on the European Tour and more likely accumulate more wins. Learning to win and close out opponents down the stretch is an intangible that is relished by professional golfers. Playing on both tours can be draining physically and mentally. Last Year Anthony Kim announced he would play on both tours. He was looking at the huge paydays at the European Tours’ Race to Dubai and the US Tours’ FedEx Cup. After playing many tournaments early in the year, Kim started to break down and his play which had been spectacular in 2008, suffered badly. He withdrew from the Dubai World Championship and fell from twelfth in the world in 2008 to twenty fifth in 2009.

Indeed McIlroy’s decision to play more in the US will be a boon to the US fans and the PGA Tour. He’s an attractive, aggressive golfer that appeals to younger and older golf fans alike. Rory’s image is one that will play well in the US. He’s a great, young golfer that plays with a go for broke style. Hopefully he’ll be able to balance his play on both tours and help the US PGA Tour keep a few more fans interested in golf while Woods figures himself out.