Golf

PGA Tour introduces new changes ahead for 2026

The PGA Tour has announced significant changes to its eligibility criteria and tournament structures, set to take effect in 2026. These alterations, approved by the Policy Board, aim to shape the future of the tour and have an impact on earth as a whole. 

One of the most notable changes is the reduction of fully exempt PGA Tour cards from 125 to 100. This marks the first decrease in membership since 1983, making it more challenging for players to secure full-time status. 

Players finishing between 101 and 125 in the FedEx Cup standings will receive conditional status, which limits their tournament access compared to their fully exempt counterparts. 

In addition to the reduction in membership, field sizes for most tournaments will also decrease. The maximum number of players will be capped at 144 for many events, down from 156, while some tournaments will see a further reduction to 120 players. 

This change aims to enhance pace of play and ensure that rounds are completed on schedule. The adjustments reflect a broader strategy to improve the overall experience for both players and fans.

The changes will also affect how players qualify for the Tour. The number of cards awarded to Korn Ferry Tour graduates will drop from 30 to 20, while only five cards will be available through Q-School, down from the previous system that allowed for more graduates.

Furthermore, Monday qualifying spots will be reduced, allowing only two spots for fields of 132 players and four for those with 144 participants. This creates a more competitive environment as fewer opportunities are available.

The response from players has been mixed. Some have expressed concerns that these changes could hinder competition rather than enhance it. Six-time PGA Tour winner Lucas Glover criticized the decision, suggesting that it undermines opportunities for emerging talent. 

He and others have accused the PGA of constantly ignoring the issue of slow play, citing it as the reason why games carried on late into the night, rather than large field sizes. The solution to this, according to Glover, is for the PGA to hurry players up: “Don’t cut fields because it’s a pace of play issue. Tell us to play faster, or just say you’re trying to appease six guys and make them happy, so they don’t go somewhere else and play golf.”

But the PGA has defended their position on this, attributing the current issue to large field size and saying the new format would fix the problem.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Anthony Davis Injured Again After Mavericks Debut, Kyrie Irving Replaces Him in All-Star Game

Anthony Davis’ much-anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks was short-lived, as the star big man… Read More

February 12, 2025

Real Madrid Stun Manchester City in Dramatic Champions League Clash

Manchester City's Champions League hopes suffered a major setback as Real Madrid staged a late… Read More

February 12, 2025

Real Madrid stun Man City with late winner in UCL knockout round playoff

Real Madrid came from behind twice to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg… Read More

February 12, 2025

Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the 2025 Genesis Invitational, citing that he is "still processing"… Read More

February 12, 2025

David Moyes acknowledges gap with Liverpool ahead of Merseyside derby

Everton manager David Moyes has acknowledged the significant gap between his team and Liverpool but… Read More

February 12, 2025

PSG demolish Brest in 1st leg of UCL playoffs

Paris Sainte-German made light work on Ligue 1 rivals Brest in the first leg of… Read More

February 12, 2025