Many of the world’s top golfers are currently in Scotland participating in the Scottish Open, which serves as a preparation event on a links course leading up to the Open Championship next week. The upcoming championship will take place at Royal Portrush, where Shane Lowry claimed victory in 2019, and for Rory McIlroy, it represents a homecoming as the only major championship site in Northern Ireland.

Following a less-than-stellar performance in the last two majors since his Masters triumph that completed his grand slam, McIlroy expressed that winning the green jacket felt akin to scaling Mount Everest. He admitted to struggling with motivation and focus, yet views the upcoming Open at Portrush as another mountain to conquer and is gearing up for a chance to secure a second Open victory in his homeland.

In the lead-up to the Scottish Open, McIlroy elaborated on how important major championship venues are and how they can instill additional pressure and drive for elite golfers—while also delivering a subtle dig at the PGA of America’s new flagship course in Frisco.

“If venues in golf matter to you, it maybe puts a little bit more pressure on you,” McIlroy stated. “So, I’d love to win an Open at Portrush, absolutely. I’d love to win an Open at St. Andrews. I’d love to win a U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I’d love to win a PGA at PGA Frisco—not [laughs]. But there are some venues in the game that carry a bit more significance—perhaps Frisco will earn that reputation one day, who knows.”

Although the PGA of America might not have shared in the laughter from McIlroy’s remark, it reflects how much we contemplate majors and the standing of different courses in the rotation. The Masters avoids this issue by consistently being held at Augusta National, but the other three majors have variations in their venue significance that resonate with fans and players alike.

A major title at any venue is a remarkable accomplishment, but winning at a historic course can lend added significance and enhance the moment’s gravity, something McIlroy deeply understands. He faced pressure during the final round of the 150th Open at St. Andrews, witnessing Cam Smith surpass him for the victory.

Introducing new venues to the rotation poses challenges, as they often lack the historical prestige that creates a special atmosphere. Thus, the PGA will grapple with that uphill challenge with the introduction of their new course, PGA Frisco, which received mixed reviews upon debuting for the Women’s PGA Championship. Rory joins a growing list of players who are doubtful about its potential as a major course.

It’s amusing to consider that McIlroy could potentially secure a win at PGA Frisco in 2027 despite his comments today.