The verdict is in, and it's razor-thin. Of the total votes cast by Essentially Golf readers, 51% of golf fans backed the PGA Tour's decision to grant Rory McIlroy an exemption, while a fired-up 45% slammed it as preferential treatment. Supporters argue the Northern Irishman's star power justifies the call, with one reader bluntly noting that "a tournament without Rory is a boring tournament." But the No camp isn't buying it. They blasted the move as "a complete political decision," insisting Rory should be "held to the same rules as everyone," while others warned it "sets a very bad example" for younger pros and fans. Even some Yes voters drew a line: fine this time, but never again.
Essentially Golf
Jun 29, 2026
Was the PGA Tour Right to Make an Exception for Rory McIlroy?
51%
Yes
276
45%
No
242
4%
Share Your Thoughts in the Comments
20
538 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 34 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
34
No
jf*e*t*0@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 1:14 PM EDT
Not above the rank and file.
Yes
du**l**e**m@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:54 AM EDT
He's the big star also known as Irish Jesus
No
ch***l**t***k@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:02 AM EDT
Why should he get special treatment when no o n e else would...
No
gl**i*w**t@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 3:33 PM EDT
A complete political decision. Rory should be held to the same rules as everyone.
No
wa**g*9*6@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:57 AM EDT
Everyone should be treated the same!!!
No
sh**b*d*8@aol.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:46 AM EDT
rory thinks he is special. hes been that way for 10 years or better. went 40 majors without a win.
Yes
df**k*t**n@sbcglobal.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:55 AM EDT
Looks to me like Rory would have completed 15 tournaments if he had not dropped out of the Palmer tournament due to his stated injury reason. Documented injury is a valid reason for an exemption to the 15 rule.
Yes
pm**c*p*9@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 10:23 AM EDT
But this should be the last time.
Yes
fe**m**5**1@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 5:05 PM EDT
A tournament without Rory is a boring tournament
No
ri**d**b**g@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 12:54 PM EDT
But isn't Rory a lifetime member due to his amount of wins 🤔
No
je**o*1**1@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 10:13 AM EDT
Rules are rules! How can he claim a medical exemption when he’s practicing for the majors. Example is he flow to August and then back home everyday the week before the Masters. No player should be able to practice at any course for a tournament early. They shouldn’t be allowed to practice before the Monday of that tournament. Big names should have to follow all the rules period!
No
an****y***v***o@comcast.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 10:05 AM EDT
Rules are rules it sets a bad example for younger players and fans. Just because your a star doesn't excuse you from meeting your obligations
No
pr****.***h****7@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 12:57 PM EDT
It would be fine if they unsuspend Wesley!!
No
jc**r**1**7@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 11:20 PM EDT
He just thinks he is above the rest of the players, the tour will survive with out him.
Yes
bo***i**y**m@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:49 AM EDT
One of the best golfers in the world.The Tour needs the like of him as he is one of their most popular players.
No
ja**e*2**8@aol.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 3:44 PM EDT
All pros should play under the same rules!!
No
jo****y***d****2@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:34 AM EDT
Nothing much to say he has his reasons
No
r.***g**d***7@sbcglobal.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:23 AM EDT
Sets a very bad example
No
ad*m*r*r@optonline.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 12:01 PM EDT
No, they shouldn’t gave him an exemption. He should follow the rules like everyone else has to.
No
ti*w*s*7@yahoo.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 1:48 PM EDT
No exceptions, period.
No
cb*rt*1@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:53 AM EDT
I dont think it's right but it is typical PGA rules application. A star is going to do what he wants without consequences
No
st**e**u**e@yahoo.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:45 AM EDT
A rule is a rule and it is stated in thier handbook of rules. What is good for one should be the same for other pros.
No
rb**u*s**u@sbcglobal.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:51 AM EDT
He belongs to the “boys club” of which Tiger is a member so he is one of the chosen ones.
No
cr***e**3**2@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:17 AM EDT
It seems Rory's attitude is he will continue subverting the rules as long as he can when he chooses to. Is this far to the other players? If he has medical reasons he should state as much. I think he's acting a little superior.
Yes
mn*do*e@aol.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:35 AM EDT
He's Rory
Yes
pb*e*m*n@swbell.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 1:52 PM EDT
If you follow the rules, I'm fine with it. Like anything else, if you don't like it change the rules.
No
kw*am*y@comcast.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:28 AM EDT
Typical of these times we live in. The elite get special treatment and don’t have to play by the rules.
Yes
dc***r***a***r@yahoo.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:52 AM EDT
x
No
li***e***t***2@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:17 AM EDT
He is above the law??
No
ju**1@sympatico.ca
Jun 28, 2026 · 11:08 AM EDT
No exceptions!
Yes
br***.**r***r@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:51 AM EDT
Yes he supported the Tour when other big names were leaving for LIV. He deserves a break here.
Yes
jo*gy7@att.net
Jun 28, 2026 · 10:08 AM EDT
Sounds like they can make exceptions as they choose. Rory is a big draw so of course you want to keep him and fans happy.
No
ml***h**1**3@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 8:48 AM EDT
What a hypocrite, skipping tournaments and criticizing LIV when that was what they were trying to do for the PGA.
Yes
tl***m**9**2@gmail.com
Jun 28, 2026 · 9:03 AM EDT
The elite will be favored.