Who’s Really to Blame for Rory McIlroy’s ‘Dying Sport’ Fears as Golf Chief Makes Damning Claim

The biggest concern for someone passionate about something? Losing its essence in the new generation. Well, pro golfer Rory McIlroy has raised the same crisis regarding golf. At the Stick to Football Podcast, he shared how golf might be accessible in Ireland, but it is not as much in countries like the US. He believes that, unlike other sports, golf needs more effort to get into the daily routine of the youth. Which, according to him, is the only way to stop the sport from dying.

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And well, of course, make it more accessible. “I think people are starting to understand that okay, you know, golf isn’t going to be a dying sport if we don’t introduce young people to it and bring the next generation up with us,” Rory McIlroy said. Well, as it turns out, Martin Slumbers, the chief of R&A, also weighed in on the issue.

Slumbers appeared as a guest on the No Laying Up Podcast with D.J. Piehowski, a few days after announcing his retirement from the position. As he talks about the future of golf in America, he says, “Golf over here is much more of a public sport. It’s, it’s a lower cost. Sport is ironically less formal”. Well, he is right indeed. Even the POTUS is often spotted swinging his clubs and, well, there are over a hundred golf courses there. But it sure has gotten expensive over the years, restricting people from being a part of it.

In 2025, tickets for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have significantly increased, with the lowest-priced ticket for competition days costing almost $750. This represents a sharp rise from previous years, including a $500 increase from the 2023 event in Rome. Furthermore, the Ryder Cup+ ticket option, which includes additional perks like unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks, can cost up to $2,250 for a full weekend.

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These tickets are not the only concern. Even the prices of the volunteer fees have also risen rapidly, with a $350 “volunteer package” fee, marking a steep rise from the previous $175 fee at the 2019 PGA Championship.

He even said, “You know, they understand the value of money. It’s not guys that are making tremendous amounts.” The PGA Tour’s split with LIV Golf has fundamentally altered the golf world’s landscape. Moreover, according to Trump, several changes continue to be made to retain the fan following.