Is Charley Hoffman’s perspective valid? The four-time PGA Tour champion has been a prominent figure on the Tour for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he has earned significant respect, several titles, and amassed nearly $36 million in earnings, according to the official PGA Tour website. There’s no doubt Hoffman has had a successful run, but does that mean his opinions carry weight? It’s possible!

Now, Hoffman is doubling down. In a recent interview with the Golf Channel, he was asked about the reactions to his previous comments. A video from the interview was posted on YouTube, and when asked, “What’s been the reaction so far?” Hoffman responded, “Everybody has been very positive, very supportive.” It seems he’s suggesting that other PGA Tour pros may share his concerns about having top players like McIlroy in events they believe should feature others.

Hoffman clarified that he wasn’t trying to propose a solution but simply wanted to raise awareness. The 2024 WM Phoenix Open runner-up added, “None of them (the responses) have been top players. I did sort of call out the top players about playing at other venues.” This remark highlights that top players, such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, don’t appear to agree with Hoffman’s stance.

He also noted that several PGA Tour event sponsors would prefer to have the top players in their tournaments, rather than filling the field with participants from less prestigious events. Hoffman suggested that players like Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa should consider participating in these tournaments, as they could elevate the event’s prestige.

Hoffman further emphasized his belief that more players should participate in events, before adding, “Slow play is not because of field size, in my opinion. It’s because we’re not accountable as players.” The 48-year-old seems to imply that the lack of accountability among top players contributes to slow play, and he finished with a strong critique: “Maybe look yourself in the mirror and maybe do a little bit better as a player.”

Is Charley Hoffman’s criticism of Rory McIlroy & Co. valid?

Many stars who had been missing from the Tour returned for the Signature event. Rory McIlroy made his 2025 debut in the PGA Tour after winding up his DP World Tour commitments. Scottie Scheffler also returned from a comical injury inflicted by ‘ravioli’. Lastly, Jordan Spieth finally made a comeback after being out for a few months.

Interestingly, the pace of play at the event was the best it has been since the beginning of the season. Insiders also stated that the pace was “fastest it’s ever been” during the Signature event. So the only impact the top-ranked players had on the Signature event was an extremely positive one.