The PGA Tour has proposed significant changes set to be implemented in the 2026 season, that will reshape its structure, membership, and event sizes.
- Reduction in Fully Exempt Players: The number of players with full status on the PGA Tour will decrease from the top 125 to the top 100 finishers in the previous season's FedExCup points list. This adjustment means fewer players will automatically retain their tour cards for the next season.
- Smaller Field Sizes: Most PGA Tour events will see a reduction in field sizes. The maximum number of players for a one-course tournament will be capped at 144, with some events like The Players Championship reducing from 144 to 120 players. Exceptions include events like The American Express, which will retain its 156-player field due to its unique three-course format.
- Adjustments in Membership and Access: The number of PGA Tour cards awarded to Korn Ferry Tour graduates will drop from 30 to 20. Q-School will only award PGA Tour membership to the top five finishers. There's a proposal to reduce or eliminate Monday qualifiers and open qualifying spots during tournaments, suggesting a more restricted entry pathway to PGA Tour events.
- Changes in Points Distribution: There will be slight modifications in how FedExCup points are distributed, particularly reducing points for lower finishers in majors and signature events, aiming to close the competitive gap.
The PGA Tour has outlined that these changes are primarily driven by concerns over the pace of play and to ensure that tournaments conclude within daylight hours more consistently. The proposal also reflects a strategic direction towards elite competition, potentially at the expense of providing less opportunities for a broader range of golf pros. There is a vote on these proposals, with input from the Player Advisory Council, scheduled by the PGA Tour policy board on November 18, 2024, ahead of the RSM Classic.
What are your thoughts on this? Is it a good thing that professional golf is moving more towards a closed shop nature that only helps the guys at the top? Or should there be more opportunity for players to climb the ladder?
