Q&A: Rory McIlroy's status on the PGA TOUR

text size

Squire/Getty Images

Until he joins the PGA TOUR full-time, Rory McIlroy is ineligible for the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

When he met with the press on Tuesday at the Shell Houston Open, Rory McIlroy said he wanted to join the PGA TOUR eventually. However, for the next few years, the 19-year-old Irishman said he expects to play primarily on the European Tour.

What if his plans change, though? What are the ways that the uber-talented McIlroy -- who tied for fifth at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship last month -- could earn status on the PGA TOUR?

PGATOUR.COM takes a look at several possibilities.

1. How many sponsor's exemptions from PGA TOUR events can McIlroy accept?

As a non-member, he can accept up to seven sponsor's exemptions. Should he become a Special Temporary Member, though, McIlroy can accept unlimited sponsor's exemptions.

2. So how can McIlroy become a Special Temporary Member of the PGA TOUR?

McIlroy can become a Special Temporary Member if he earns enough money to equal or better the earnings of Todd Hamilton, who finished No. 150 on the money list last year with $537,958.

McIlroy currently has $90,222 in non-member earnings, but that does not include his paychecks from the two World Golf Championships, which are considered unofficial prize money (except when used to determine a player's eligibility for Special Temporary membership during the course of the season -- or for full membership at the end of the year). When those earnings are added to McIlroy's paycheck from The Honda Classic, he has $440,365 so he's getting close.

3. How can McIlroy become a PGA TOUR member?

The 19-year-old Irishman has three avenues. He can join after winning a PGA TOUR event. If he does, he would be exempt for the remainder of the current calendar year and the next two full seasons.

If McIlroy's 2009 earnings are equal to or better than the PGA TOUR member who finishes No. 125 on the money list at the end of this season, the young Irishman can opt to join for 2010. To give you an idea of that threshold, Martin Laird was the man on the 125 bubble last year and the Scotsman earned $852,752.

Or, McIlroy can go to the PGA TOUR National Qualifying Tournament, where he would likely be exempt into the final stage, in the fall.

4. As a non-member, how many PGA TOUR events can McIlroy play in this year?

He can play in no more than 12 co-sponsored or approved tournaments per year (which includes the four majors, THE PLAYERS Championship and the three official money World Golf Championships).

5. Can McIlroy participate in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup?

Not until he becomes a PGA TOUR member. Only TOUR members can earn FedExCup points. As a full-time member of the European Tour, however, you will see McIlroy competing in the Race to Dubai at the end of this year.

6. If he decides he wants to join the PGA TOUR next year, could McIlroy play in Fall Series events in an attempt to finish in the all-exempt top 125 on the money list?

Yes. He would need to Monday qualify, receive a sponsor's exemption or finish among the top-10 the previous week to get into the field, though. More than likely, if it got to that point, McIlroy would have taken up Special Temporary membership and be entitled unlimited sponsor's exemptions to aid his quest. Given his growing international cache, he would certainly be an attractive addition to any field.