Golf's major season has become a whirlwind, with all four championships squeezed into just 14 weeks, prompting calls from top players to extend the schedule. Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have each voiced support for a longer major campaign, arguing that the current format feels rushed and diminishes the sport's global appeal.
Rahm highlighted the lack of diversity in major venues, noting that three of the four are held in the United States. “I think it would be good for golf to have an international major,” he said. “Having a major in Australia could be very successful. Having two in Europe would also be good fun. The same in Asia.” The Open is the only non-US event, though a future edition is planned for Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland.
McIlroy echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’d like to see the major season spread out a little bit longer. From a player perspective, if you get on a bit of a run, it’s nice to be playing well and go from one straight into the next. But for the sport as a whole and for the general interest in the game, I can see the positives in that major season being stretched out.” However, he expressed frustration with the fragmented governance of golf, admitting, “My opinion isn’t going to change anything.”
The condensed schedule begins with the Masters in April, followed by the US PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open in July. After that, there is an eight-and-a-half month gap until the next major. This feast-or-famine pattern contrasts with the NFL, which regularly stages games abroad. The PGA Tour’s playoff system and the Olympics were cited as factors that have shifted the US PGA from August to May, reducing the traditional “glory’s last shot” feel.
World number one Scottie Scheffler agreed with McIlroy, stating, “The season for us is getting quicker and quicker.” While players see benefits for those on a hot streak, they believe a longer major calendar would better serve golf’s global growth and maintain fan interest throughout the year.
