Charlie Hulme joined the 1x PGA Tour winner in the latest edition of The Smylie Show on YouTube. The two discussed the Tom McKibbin episode and everything that is going on around it. That’s when Hulme read out Rory McIlroy’s disappointment regarding McKibbin’s change of heart.  The World No. 3 told Mckibbin, “If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making. I think working so hard to get your Tour card in the States was a big achievement.” McIlroy also added, “I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, depending on how he would play,” warning his young protege about the mistake he might make.

After sharing a bit more of McIlroy’s quotes, Hulme asked Kaufman for his opinion on the issue. The former PGA Tour pro said, “You can’t have guys play any PGA Tour events then take up status”. This suggests that Kaufman doesn’t want players to take advantage of the PGA Tour. He further added, “There has got to be some kind of fine that these guys have that opens up a spot for Jordan Smith.” For context, Jordan Smith was 11th in the qualification rankings, and hence he didn’t get his PGA Tour card.

The ex-professional golfer said that players should remain in the PGA Tour if they start playing it. If they choose to exit then they “should have to pay some form of fines”. Smylie Kaufman stated that the PGA Tour shouldn’t allow pros who are leaving to play in their events. This reduces the opportunities for someone who wants to stay on the Tour. Kaufman said that the fines should be substantial enough to “prohibit guys from even thinking about [leaving],” as he compared the situation to what Tyrrell Hatton did in 2024. For context, Hatton played The Sentry and the Sony Open in 2024 before moving on to LIV Golf.

Tom McKibbin’s PGA Tour schedule