Rory McIlroy Joins European Tour For 2019 Season

After doubts he would re-join in 2019, the four-time Major winner has taken up European Tour membership

Rory McIlroy Joins European Tour
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After doubts he would re-join in 2019, the four-time Major winner has taken up European Tour membership

Rory McIlroy Joins European Tour For 2019 Season

Rory McIlroy has given a huge boost to the European Tour by joining for the 2019 season.

The four-time Major winner said in 2018 that he may not re-join his home Tour this year and then seemingly dug himself deeper when he called it "a stepping stone".

That decision would have cost him the chance to become a future Ryder Cup captain and also would have seen him join the 2020 Ryder Cup qualification process late.

However, in what appears to be a big U-Turn, the former World Number One is back as a European Tour member so will begin earning points for the 2020 Ryder Cup team when the qualification begins.

2020 Ryder Cup points start from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September, which Rory is reportedly going to play this year, giving the Tour's Flagship event a huge boost.

Rory McIlroy To Play In BMW PGA Championship At Wentworth

Reports suggest that Rory will play in the BMW PGA Championship

McIlroy has supported the BMW PGA Championship for years now and won the event in 2014. He was runner-up to Francesco Molinari last year.

His first start on the European Tour this season will be at the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club from July 11th-14th.

Related: McGinley: McIlroy skipping Irish Open "a sign of the times"

The Omega ambassador is also lined up to play in the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre from 29th August-1st September.

He'll need to make four starts (as well as four WGCs and four Majors for 12 tournaments) so his fourth will likely be at the DP World Tour Championship, which now offers $3m to the winner.

With the DP World Tour Championship title and Race to Dubai trophy in 2015. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

McIlroy has won the tournament on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates twice, in 2012 and 2015.

He has won three Race to Dubai titles in total, in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

Related: Matt Wallace calls British Masters field "a massive shame"

The 30-year-old reportedly joined up and payed his fees for the 2019 season in late April before the 1st May deadline.

Expand Rory McIlroy Calls European Tour A Stepping Stone

Rory McIlroy Calls European Tour A Stepping Stone

Rory McIlroy Calls European Tour A Stepping Stone

Speaking in Hawaii, McIlroy has said the PGA…

Expand Padraig Harrington Reduces Number Of Ryder Cup Wildcard Picks

Padraig Harrington Reduces Number Of Ryder Cup Wildcard Picks

Padraig Harrington Reduces Number Of Ryder Cup Wildcard Picks

The European captain may reduce the number of…

Expand Podcast: Will Rory Win More Majors In His 30s?

Rory McIlroy Calls European Tour A Stepping Stone

Podcast: Will Rory Win More Majors In His 30s?

The four-time Major winner turned 30 at the…

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV