Rex Hoggard thinks Rory McIlroy has made a mistake in 2024 which is very different from what Tiger Woods did

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It is hardly surprising that Rory McIlroy is already planning to make changes to his schedule in 2025 as he now prepares for his 27th event of the season this week.

Rory McIlroy has done more than anyone to fly the flag for both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour this year, with the Northern Irishman on course to win his sixth Order of Merit title at the DP World Tour Championship.

And it has been a largely successful year for the 35-year-old, with three wins coming worldwide. He also came agonisingly close to winning the US Open at Pinehurst. However, the fact remains that he is still looking for his fifth major title after a decade.

Rory McIlroy urged to correct mistake from 2024 schedule

McIlroy has already spoken of removing four events from his schedule next year. And it appears that some feel that that is the bare minimum he needs to reduce his calendar by. Speaking on Golf Channel, Rex Hoggard suggested that it is not entirely surprising to him that McIlroy did fail to get across the line in the game’s four biggest events.

“I am curious about his schedule, because there is no-one that talks about his schedule as much as Rory, and when you look at what he tried to do this year by playing that many events, which I really feel like is too much – if Tiger Woods is the example, if he’s the litmus test here, we can say something around 15 to 18, maybe 20 events is probably the best for a top player. I think it’s 26 for Rory if I’m not mistaken this year. That’s probably too much,” he said.

“What I really looked at though was how he got ready for the majors this year. He wanted to play the week before the majors. He finished inside the top 15 in every one of those events heading into the majors and still didn’t win. I don’t know if there’s an answer, he’s going to keep looking for one. But I don’t know if there’s an answer.”

How many events McIlroy and the world’s top 10 have played in this year

McIlroy is not the only player in the top 10 in the world rankings to make 26 appearances this season, with Tommy Fleetwood also set to play for the 27th time this week. However, the pair are some way ahead of the rest of the list.

Scottie Scheffler has made 20 appearances, while Viktor Hovland has only played 17 times.

It is indicative of where the game currently is, with more and more being demanded of the world’s best players. But clearly, something has to give – particularly for McIlroy who finds himself out in front of his peers.