A more competitive and engaging PGA TOUR could soon emerge as the Policy Board reviews a set of game-changing recommendations crafted by the Player Advisory Council (PAC). These recommendations come after a comprehensive analysis of the TOUR’s competitive structure, field sizes, and eligibility criteria, all with the goal of delivering a more dynamic experience for players, fans, sponsors, and other stakeholders. These proposals will be up for consideration by the PGA TOUR Policy Board in an upcoming meeting in November.
The PAC’s review, which began after the Policy Board approved an in-depth analysis of field sizes and the eligibility framework, highlights significant areas for potential improvement. Through a series of focused meetings, PAC subcommittees examined the TOUR’s format from various perspectives, aiming to refine tournament structure, field sizes, and competitive entry pathways. If approved, these changes would go into effect for the 2026 season, aiming to enhance both player competition and the viewing experience.
One key area under review is tournament field sizes. The PAC has proposed reducing the maximum player count from 156 to 144 for events played on a single course, with further reductions to 120 or 132 players under special circumstances, such as daylight constraints. This recommendation addresses the issue of rounds extending past daylight hours, which occurred in 28% of tournaments this season. The change could improve the overall flow and scheduling of tournaments, creating a smoother experience for players and fans alike, as well as optimizing broadcast schedules.
The eligibility system, which determines player status and tournament access, is another focal point of the PAC’s recommendations. The proposal suggests narrowing the automatic exempt status from the top 125 players to the top 100 in the FedExCup standings, with conditional status extended to players ranked between 101 and 125. By focusing on the top 100, the TOUR seeks to foster higher competition levels while still ensuring opportunities for emerging players through conditional status.
Pathways to the TOUR will also be affected if these recommendations are adopted. The PAC has proposed reducing the number of TOUR cards awarded through the Korn Ferry Tour from 30 to 20. However, the DP World Tour will continue to provide 10 players with TOUR cards, and five cards will remain available through Q-School. This adjustment is intended to sustain the Korn Ferry Tour as the primary pathway while sharpening the competitive edge of players entering the PGA TOUR.
Another proposed change relates to Open Qualifying, where opportunities would be reduced at events with smaller fields. In tournaments with fewer than 144 players, the PAC suggests limiting Open Qualifying positions to prevent overly large fields that disrupt tournament flow. In 132-player events, the current four Open Qualifying spots would be reduced to two, helping to maintain a balanced roster for smoother tournament logistics.
A shift in the allocation of FedExCup points is also on the table, with recommendations to slightly increase second-place points in majors and THE PLAYERS, while slightly reducing points for Signature Events from positions seven onward. This change aims to reward strong finishes in high-stakes events while ensuring that points distribution remains balanced and competitive across the board.
The PAC’s subcommittees, which were specifically created to involve players in key TOUR-related decisions, played an instrumental role in this review. Four main subcommittees examined the TOUR’s core areas: Competitions and Regulations, Pathways, Tournaments, Fans and Sponsors, and Business. The objective of these groups was to ensure that recommendations considered a broad spectrum of data, such as Scoring Average, Strokes Gained metrics, and historical retention rates for TOUR cards. By bringing players into the decision-making process, the PAC has fostered a more player-centric approach to TOUR regulations and enhancements.
Among the additional proposals is a rule change allowing amateurs who place in the top 10 to enter the following open event. There’s also a proposal to reward an extra PGA TOUR University Accelerated point for players who finish in the top five of a PGA TOUR tournament. These adjustments aim to encourage promising players to showcase their skills while boosting engagement within the sport.
The Korn Ferry Tour PAC has also taken steps to assess how these proposed PGA TOUR adjustments may impact its field sizes and eligibility processes. A meeting is scheduled in the coming weeks to continue these discussions and finalize proposals, which will subsequently be reviewed by the PGA TOUR Policy Board in December.
As the PGA TOUR Policy Board prepares to vote on these proposals in mid-November, excitement builds around the potential for a new era in professional golf. If approved, these changes are expected to create a more streamlined, competitive, and fan-friendly TOUR, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.
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