In a story originally by pastapadre.com, EA SPORTS will be removing Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR from digital storefronts and EA Access on May 22. His belief is that the game is being removed three years following release due to licensing issues. (UPDATE: As of 5/21, the game is no longer available to purchase via PSN or XBL.)
Considered by many to be one of the best in the series, the final version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf finished with a Metacritic score in the mid-70s, while Rory McIlroy PGA Tour scored a 60. After exceeding internal sales expectations, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR became an 'evergreen' title and featured several game updates that added new courses. However, it lacked the staying power of its predecessor and was considered disappointing by many as the game failed to resonate with the community due to a lacking feature set.
While there has been no confirmation of this, should EA SPORTS abandon (or leave) the PGA TOUR or a golf franchise in general, it would result in the home studio of EA Tiburon losing yet another title. It would leave the primary games of development there as Madden NFL, Madden NFL Mobile, NBA LIVE, and NBA LIVE Mobile. Other Tiburon titles ended relatively recently include NCAA Football and NASCAR.
However, EA could choose to stay in the golf game by following the lead of HB Studios' The Golf Club and go the non-licensed or created course route. TGC has had success with no licensed golfers or courses - only licensed equipment - so EA SPORTS could go that route as well.