Rory McIlroy has called on the PGA Tour to exercise caution regarding the future of the Scottish Open as it prepares to implement a two-tier format in 2028. Under this new system, the schedules for the Championship and the second-tier Challenger series will run concurrently, with players from each tier unable to compete in events of the other.

The Scottish Open, while featuring 14 of the world's top 20 players this week at the Renaissance Club, will not qualify for Championship status, raising concerns about the participation of elite golfers moving forward. McIlroy, a two-time Masters champion, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of national opens, stating, "We've got to be careful with that because then these national opens lose the fabric of what they are."

Bob MacIntyre, Scotland's leading player, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that exceptions should be made for the home Open. He remarked, "These events need to be treated differently than the Travelers Championship or RBC Heritage."

The Scottish Open has been co-sanctioned by the PGA and DP World Tours since 2022, allowing players from either tour to compete provided they meet eligibility for the 156-man field. The PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp plans for the Championship tier to feature around 120 players vying for prize funds of at least $20 million (£15 million).

MacIntyre noted that while the current purse for the Scottish Open is £6.7 million, it may not reach the $20 million mark, stating, "I see it being a Rolex Series/European Tour event."

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, highlighted the significance of the Scottish Open as a preparation event leading into The Open, adding, "It needs to work within the new schedule."

Overall, the future of the Scottish Open remains uncertain as the PGA Tour navigates its new structure, with players advocating for its preservation as a key event in the golf calendar.