The PGA Tour change Rory McIlroy must make in 2027 or risk being miserable about his golf game

On the opening day of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Rory McIlroy's performance was far from impressive, with a 74 placing him nine shots behind the leader. This poor showing was a stark contrast to his usual form, with multiple aspects of his game falling short of expectations. The six-time major champion's approach shots and overall approach play were notably weak, indicating a lack of energy that extended beyond his approach shots.

McIlroy seemed to be lacking motivation, something that's particularly concerning given that he's only played six PGA Tour events since winning the Masters in April. The majority of these have been major championships and the Ryder Cup, with only three non-major events played over the past four months. This light schedule has left McIlroy with a significant gap in his game, something that could potentially harm his performance in the majors and diminish his enjoyment of the sport.

Historically, McIlroy's major victories have been accompanied by a flurry of high-profile events. Yet, this year, he's only played in one event in the build-up to each of the three upcoming majors. This scarcity of play is not only detrimental to his chances of cementing his legacy as one of golf's greatest players but also makes it difficult for him to enjoy the game. It's evident that if McIlroy is to improve his game and find his passion for golf, he needs to adjust his approach significantly in 2027.