Rory McIlroy’s view on the 2026 PGA Tour Player of the Year race has become one of the biggest talking points at the BMW Championship. The Northern Irishman entered the week with strong praise for Scottie Scheffler, while Wyndham Clark arrived at Bellerive Country Club looking to strengthen his own case after another impressive season.
The BMW Championship has added more attention to the debate, with Clark leading the tournament heading into the final round and McIlroy moving into contention after a strong third-round performance. Both players are now set to compete in the final group on Sunday, creating a direct battle between two of the event’s leading names.
Rory McIlroy Revises Scottie Scheffler Player of the Year Take After Wyndham Clark’s Surge
Rory McIlroy admitted that his earlier comments backing Scottie Scheffler as the clear Player of the Year favorite were “a little bit in jest,” while acknowledging that Wyndham Clark’s performance at the BMW Championship has made the decision much more difficult.
Speaking with Amanda Balionis after his third round, McIlroy revisited his previous statement that Scheffler was the obvious choice for the award.
Rory McIlroy weighs in on Wyndham Clark’s chances of receiving PGA TOUR Player of the Year honors 👀
“Yeah, I mean, I think I said what I said earlier in the week a little bit in jest. But at the same time, Scottie was coming off the win last week,” McIlroy said.
Before the BMW Championship, McIlroy had strongly backed Scheffler, saying, “No. I’m not the Player of the Year. No chance. Scottie is.” He praised Scheffler’s consistency and his statistical dominance throughout the season.
However, Clark’s surge at Bellerive has changed the conversation. McIlroy said that if Clark continues his current form and wins the BMW Championship, the race will require more consideration.
“What Wyndham is doing this week, you know, if he keeps playing the way he is, it is, it’s a conversation,” said McIlroy.
McIlroy also pointed to the importance of players’ values when voting for the award. He referenced 2019, when Brooks Koepka had won a major, but McIlroy’s Players Championship and FedEx Cup victories were valued more by his peers.
While acknowledging Clark’s strong season, McIlroy maintained that Scheffler’s statistical profile remains a major factor.
“If you look at Scottie’s statistical profile, it’s just like he’s number one in strokes gained. He’s number one in scoring average. He’s number one in so many statistical categories,” McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy and Wyndham Clark Set for BMW Championship Final Battle
Wyndham Clark holds the lead after three rounds with a score of 17-under, while McIlroy sits tied for second at 12-under after shooting a 5-under 65 on Saturday.
McIlroy’s round included six birdies and one bogey as he moved up the leaderboard. After struggling at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he finished 66th.
Speaking after his round, McIlroy said he understands the challenge ahead but believes another strong performance could give him a chance.
McIlroy said, “Yeah, it’s good to be in the final group, but when you start six, seven back, that’s a lot to make up.” “But if I focus on myself, go out there, try to shoot a good score — I shot a 64 and a 65 this week — shoot something similar tomorrow, you never know.”
Clark will attempt to protect his lead against one of golf’s best closers.
He has won three of his previous four PGA Tour events when holding a 54-hole lead, adding another layer of pressure to Sunday’s final pairing.
Other players remain in contention, including Patrick Cantlay, Chris Gotterup, and Gary Woodland, but the focus will be on McIlroy trying to chase down Clark in the final round.
The BMW Championship finale now carries added significance, not only for the tournament result but also for the ongoing Player of the Year debate.
Rory McIlroy Admits to Amanda Balionis His Earlier Comments Were “In Jest”