Rory McIlroy has made it clear that he has no intention of joining the senior U.S. golf circuit in the future.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, the 35-year-old golfer addressed questions about his long-term career plans. McIlroy was direct when asked if he could see himself competing on the PGA Tour Champions at 50, stating, “Absolutely not.”
No Plans for Senior Tour
McIlroy reflected on his successful career and explained that he’ll know it’s time to retire once he’s achieved his goals in the game. He acknowledged that stepping away at the right time would be important for him.
“I’ve had an incredible career since turning pro in 2007. I’m 18 years into it, and not many athletes can say they’ve had a career that long,” McIlroy said. “Golfers are fortunate to have such longevity, but when I feel like it’s time to step aside, I’ll have no problem letting the next generation take over.”
When asked how he’ll know when it’s time to put away his clubs for good, McIlroy said, “I think once I’ve achieved everything I want to achieve and feel like I can’t reach that level anymore, I’ll be ready to walk away. I’d rather step away while I still have something left in the tank rather than stay too long and struggle.”
Retiring on His Own Terms
McIlroy was firm about his stance on the senior tour. “I’ve said a lot of things over the years that I’ve walked back, but I do not see myself playing Champions Tour golf. If you see me out there at 50, something has gone terribly wrong.”
McIlroy will tee off at the 2025 Players Championship on Thursday at 1:29 PM ET, alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
