Rory McIlroy PGA Tour is a single-player and multiplayer sports game based on professional golf. Players take the role of a rising golfer competing on courses modeled after real-world and fantasy locations. The game presents the career of Rory McIlroy as its headlining figure, while also allowing players to create their own athlete and progress through a professional golf career. The central objective is to compete in tournaments, improve performance, and unlock new challenges and equipment while advancing toward becoming a top-ranked golfer.

Gameplay focuses on swing mechanics that emphasize timing, accuracy, and power. Players use analog stick controls to execute a variety of shots, including drives, chips, and putts. Course conditions such as wind, terrain, and hazards affect each play, requiring strategy and shot planning. A range of swing styles and shot assists are available.

Progression is tied to performance in tournaments and challenges. Career mode allows players to guide a created golfer from rookie status to championship-level competition, while quick-play options include individual rounds and practice sessions. Performance improves statistics and unlocks access to additional courses and customization features.

Several modes complement the main career. Night Club Challenge introduces arcade-style objectives on specialized courses with neon visuals and trick-based goals, adding variety to the traditional tournament structure. Online multiplayer supports both head-to-head matches and simultaneous play, letting participants complete holes at the same time to reduce downtime between turns.