Rory McIlroy has floated an intriguing idea for the PGA Tour: fewer tournaments could mean fresher fans. Speaking ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the golf superstar suggested scaling back the number of events to prevent “fatigue” among viewers.

McIlroy pointed to the NFL’s schedule as a potential blueprint. With just 17 games per team across 18 weeks, the NFL keeps fans eager for more. In contrast, the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup season includes 39 tournaments—a packed calendar that might be overwhelming for some.

“I can see when the golf consumer might get tired of everything that’s out there,” McIlroy said. “Cutting back a bit and creating some scarcity, like the NFL does, might not be a bad idea.”

This comes as the PGA Tour faces competition from LIV Golf, which kicks off its season in Riyadh on February 6 with 14 events. McIlroy acknowledged that the rise of LIV and YouTube golf has shaken things up, making it harder for traditional tours to capture attention.

But it’s not just about scheduling. McIlroy also emphasized the need to balance entertainment with the sport’s core values. “We’re competitive people,” he said. “First and foremost, we’re professional golfers trying to win. Hopefully, people find that exciting.”

Meanwhile, McIlroy’s playful jab at fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler added a lighthearted touch. Scheffler, recovering from a kitchen mishap during Christmas dinner, is set to return to action. “He made enough money to hire a chef,” McIlroy joked. “Why is he cooking?”

With McIlroy teeing off at Pebble Beach this week, his comments spark a broader conversation about the future of golf—and how to keep fans hooked without overwhelming them.