Rory McIlroy, a two-time Players champion, firmly believes the PGA Tour's marquee event stands strong without a major label. Speaking ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Northern Irishman stated he'd love seven majors but argued the traditional four are sufficient for men's golf. 'I'd love to have seven majors instead of five, that sounds great,' McIlroy told reporters. 'But it's the Players -- it doesn't need to be anything else.' He contrasted the PGA Tour's four majors with the LPGA's five, suggesting the women's game hasn't benefited from the extra major.

McIlroy's comments come amidst debate reignited by the PGA Tour's 'March is going to be major' trailer for the Players Championship, which LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson dismissed as 'I've won it. It's not.' McIlroy, who won the Players in 2022 and 2023, emphasized the tournament's identity and quality stand independently of its major status.