McIlroy voted first non-US Players Committee Chairman

February 18th, 2021 / Chris Williams

Rory McIlroy has created history following his election as the first non-US born chairman in the history of the PGA Tour’s Players Advisory Committee.

McIlroy, who was already a member of the 16-man committee, will replace PGA Tour player Charley Hoffman as chairman, in a role that answers directly to PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan.

Rory McIlroy McIlroy has been named the Players Advisory Committee Chairman (Credit: PGA Tour)

“I feel like I’ve been on Tour long enough now that I sort of know the ins and outs of the goings-on of day-to-day Tour life and the business of the Tour, and I think I have some pretty good ideas,” said ahead of his election.

“I think with this new strategic partnership, alliance with the European Tour…knowing those guys as I do, being close with the leadership of the PGA Tour over here, I think I could help in some ways. I think I could facilitate something.”

Voting numbers weren’t made public however it would seem clear McIlroy’s popularity amongst his peers, ahead of Scotland’s Russell Knox and American Kevin Streelman, has helped in securing the appointment as head of the committee that was set-up in 1969.

“The PGA Tour announced today that Rory McIlroy has been elected chairman of the player advisory council (PAC) by the tour’s membership for the 2021 calendar year,” said the PGA Tour in a statement released this week.

“The 16-member PAC advises and consults with the PGA Tour policy board and commissioner Jay Monahan on issues affecting the tour.”

“Rory McIlroy also will succeed Jordan Spieth as a player director on the PGA Tour policy board next year, serving a three-year term (2022-2024).”

“He will also join James Hahn (2020-22), Charley Hoffman (2021-23) and Kevin Kisner (2020-22) on the main PGA Tour policy board.”

The 2021 Player Advisory Council will include the likes of Paul Casey, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Zach Johnson amongst its 16-man committee.

World No.1 Dustin Johnson sung McIlroy’s praises ahead of teeing it up at this week’s Genesis Invitational.

“I think it’s good Rory has been voted chairman. Obviously he’s a great player, I think he’s a really good dude and I think he’ll be good to be the chairman.”