Rory McIlroy has admitted he’s edging towards the end of his remarkable career, revealing he won’t be grinding on into his 50s as he looks to enjoy a more selective schedule.
The 36-year-old Masters champion arrives at Wentworth on the back of a glittering 2025 season that has already brought victories at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players Championship, and Irish Open. But as he prepares for the BMW PGA Championship before heading to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, McIlroy was clear about what the future holds.
Asked if he feels he’s on the back nine of his career, McIlroy replied bluntly: “Yeah, absolutely — back six!”
The five-time major winner said he has no plans to keep chasing tournaments deep into middle age:
“I don’t want to be grinding out here at 50. I’ll turn up for the majors and enjoy them, but when I’m done, I’m done.”
McIlroy, who skipped several big events this year including The Memorial and the opening FedEx Cup playoff, explained he’ll continue to pick and choose tournaments on his own terms.
Inspired by tennis legend Roger Federer’s late-career approach, McIlroy also intends to seek out new destinations before he calls time on his career.
“I had a chat with Roger Federer,” he said. “He wanted to go play events he’d never been to before. I want to do the same—play the majors, the Ryder Cup, and visit the places I love.”
Later this year, he’s expected to make his debut at the inaugural DP World Tour India Championship, another sign that he is shaping his schedule around passion rather than obligation.
For now, though, McIlroy’s immediate focus is Wentworth—one more chance to add silverware before he leads Europe into Ryder Cup battle.
Leave a Reply