'Part-timer' McIlroy will continue to pick and choose events

Rory McIlroy says he will continue to "pick and choose" the events he plays on the PGA Tour's new-look schedule "because it brings balance to my life".

The six-time major winner has been more selective with his schedule over the past couple of years and has only played two tournaments since retaining his Masters title in April.

Earlier this year, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp unveiled proposals for the circuit's future, which includes promotion and relegation between different tiers of tournaments and more "signature events" with expanded fields of 120 players and 36-hole cuts.

"I've been doing this a long time. I've been on tour more than half of my life at this point," said Northern Ireland's McIlroy, who joked that he feels like a "part-timer these days".

"So I'll pick and choose my spots like I have been doing sort of the last 18 months to two years.

"Does it mean it makes it harder for myself to win the FedExCup or whatever the season-long title race is going to be called? Absolutely. But I'm OK with that because it brings balance to my life and lets me enjoy things outside of the game."

After taking some time off following the US PGA Championship - where he finished tied seventh - McIlroy returns to action at this week's Memorial Tournament.

Last year, the 37-year-old opted to skip the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event in Ohio for the first time since 2017, having also missed two signature tournaments at The Sentry and RBC Heritage.

The world number two admitted the Memorial is one of two tournaments - along with the Tiger Woods-fronted Genesis Invitational - he is desperate to add to a decorated CV that features a career Grand Slam, 45 professional wins and six Ryder Cup triumphs with Team Europe.

"I would say here and Tiger's event at Riviera, they're the two that I would love to win," said McIlroy, whose best finish in 13 appearances at Muirfield Village was tied fourth in 2016.

"I've been lucky enough to win at Bay Hill, but not while Arnold [Palmer] was alive. So I always thought it would be cool to win here and take that little walk up the hill off the 18th green and shake Jack's hand.

"Also, Jack and I share a nice history. We've known each other now for nearly 20 years, or I've known him for nearly 20 years. He's been nothing but great to me and my family. So this is certainly one I would love to get done."

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