McIlroy signals shift to selective schedule after Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy has signaled a shift toward a more selective tournament schedule, citing a need to protect his enthusiasm and energy as he balances professional golf with family life. The comments came after he concluded his FedEx Cup campaign with a tied fourth finish at the Tour Championship, where Scottie Scheffler claimed his second title in three years.

McIlroy entered Sunday’s final round at East Lake with momentum after a brilliant third-round 63, which moved him to 10-under par and within five shots of leader Viktor Hovland. However, his challenge faded early in the final round as he dropped three shots over the first five holes. Despite an eagle at the par-five sixth, he could not recover sufficiently, finishing with a one-under 69 to tie for fourth on 11-under par, five shots behind Scheffler.

Scheffler, the world number one, shot a final-round 66 to win by three shots over Hovland, who struggled to a 72. The victory secured Scheffler his third win of the season and vaulted him past Tiger Woods to the top of the PGA Tour’s all-time career earnings list with $130 million. Woods congratulated Scheffler on social media, praising his "incredible consistency all season long."