Rory McIlroy has taken a swing back at Charley Hoffman after the latter’s letter criticised players for reducing their PGA Tour appearances while participating in other golfing events. The four-time major winner didn’t hold back in his reply.

Hoffman, who has won four times on the PGA Tour and is 48 years old, penned a letter to fellow members on Monday. He called for action against slow play and supported Justin Thomas’ plea for players to engage more with broadcasters.

The seasoned pro of 20 years also targeted those planning to play fewer PGA Tour events but still compete in the new tech-driven TGL, the DP World Tour, and various exhibition matches. Furthermore, Hoffman questioned the equity of the Aon Swing 5, which aims to offer form players opportunities in the tour’s $20 million (£16m) marquee competitions.

The vitality of the PGA Tour has been under intense scrutiny lately due to dipping TV viewership and growing spectator weariness amidst the ongoing LIV Golf controversy. In his letter, Hoffman implored his colleagues to increase their participation.

“Here’s something else to think about; If we truly care about strengthening our tour, we should be supporting as many PGA Tour events as we can,” he stated. “Many of you keep saying you want to play fewer events, yet you still find time for TGL, Race to Dubai, and other non-PGA Tour events, and that’s going to continue regardless of field size.

“The best competition happens when the best players go head-to-head in a deep, competitive field-not in small, limited-entry events that leave deserving players on the outside looking in. This tour was built on open competition, where anyone with the game to compete has a chance to prove it against the best. That’s what has made our tour special for generations, and we need to keep pushing for that.”

McIlroy, who plans to reduce his playing schedule this season, has been a prominent voice advocating for smaller fields to speed up the game – a stance met with resistance from many professionals concerned about losing spots in major tournaments. Addressing Charley Hoffman’s critical letter after his TGL match on Tuesday, McIlroy didn’t mince words: “I think the thing he forgot to mention is the PGA Tour owns 20 per cent of TGL, so he’s criticizing his own product.

“They also own a good chunk of European Tour Productions, so again, I thought some of the elements of the letter were fine [and] addressed some issues. He was criticizing the Aon Swing 5. He was sixth in that.

“He talks about having it be for the good of the tour, but he’s also talking about himself, as well. I thought a couple of them were pointed at me a little bit because TGL, Race to Dubai, non-PGA Tour events like the Showdown that Scottie and I did in December. I’ve been vocal about not wanting to play quite as much so it seemed like it was pointed at me.

“Look, what every player has to do is look out for themselves. We have to do what’s best for our own individual careers, and yes, at the back of our mind try to do whatever we can to help the tour, but I think the best way for any of us to help the tour is to tee it up and play as best we can.”

World No. 3 McIlroy has had a stellar start to the new season, securing fourth place at the Dubai Desert Classic last month and then dazzling spectators with a superb victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over the weekend.

The Northern Irish golf sensation will be skipping this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, planning his return next week at Torrey Pines for The Genesis Invitational.