McIlroy backs 'clean slate' at PGA Tour's season finale format change

Rory Mcllroy is backing the format change that will see all 30 players tee off as equals as they battle for the FedEx Cup in the PGA Tour's Tour Championship starting on Thursday.

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A $IO million winner's cheque will be on offer at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta for the climax of the season-ending playoff series, with world number one Scottie Scheffler starting as the man to beat.

But unlike previous seasons, Scheffler will be starting on even par with the rest of the field following the decision to scrap the controversial “starting strokes” format.

Lastyear, Schefflerstarted the Tour Championship with a two-shot advantage at IO under to reflect his season-long dominance of the FedEx standings.

That system was eliminated for the 2025 tournament however following feedback from fans, with tour officials stating in May that a conventional 72-hole strokeplay tournament offered the “most straightforward and engaging format”.

Masters champion Mcllroy said Tuesday he backs the move to switch formats.

“It has a different feel,” Mcllroy said. “Any one of the 30 has a chance to win the FedExCup this year, which is obviously a lot different than it's been in previous years.