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PGA Tour to Restructure into Two-Tier Competition System Starting in 2028

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"The new model is grounded in meritocracy, with clearer pathways, higher stakes and more consistency." — PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp

The PGA Tour announced a major restructuring of its professional golf circuit on Tuesday, dividing the organization into two competitive tiers to be implemented starting in 2028. The plan, developed by the Tour’s Future Competition Committee chaired by Tiger Woods, introduces a promotion and relegation system and eliminates the small-field, no-cut signature events.

Structural Changes

Championship Series
  • Comprises 23 to 24 events, including major championships, team competitions, and playoffs.
  • Fields average approximately 120 players, with roughly 130 players eligible.
  • All events will feature 36-hole cuts.
  • No sponsor exemptions will be permitted.
  • The season runs from February to August.
  • Minimum purses are set at $20 million.
  • The top 90 finishers at season’s end remain exempt for the following season; players outside that threshold face relegation.
  • The postseason includes a match play component and a redesigned Tour Championship held on rotating courses.
  • Leading players become eligible for "elevated international events" organized in partnership with the DP World Tour.
Challenger Series
  • At least 20 events, running concurrently with the Championship Series.
  • Fields of 144 players with 36-hole cuts.
  • Minimum purses of $4 million.
  • The top 20 players at season’s end are promoted to the Championship Series.
  • A "last chance" fall series will provide an additional opportunity for remaining players to earn a Championship Series spot.

Key Operational Changes

  • A promotion and relegation system will be implemented: 90 players retain their Championship Series status annually, while 20 move down to the Challenger Series. Players can earn promotion through tournament wins.
  • All events will now feature 36-hole cuts.
  • A separate regular-season champion will be recognized, with the playoffs starting from a reset score.
  • The fall schedule will include international events, beginning with an expanded partnership in the Australian Open.

Official Statements

PGA Tour CEO and Commissioner Brian Rolapp described the new model as "grounded in meritocracy, with clearer pathways, higher stakes and more consistency." He noted that the Challenger Series will feature recognizable venues and larger purses, distinguishing it from the current Korn Ferry Tour.

Tiger Woods introduced Rolapp at the announcement; Rolapp praised Woods' leadership and insight in developing the plan.

"The Challenger Series will feature recognizable venues and larger purses, distinguishing it from the current Korn Ferry Tour." — Brian Rolapp

Implementation Timeline

The changes are not yet official. The PGA Tour and its Future Competitions Committee have until the end of the 2027 season to finalize details for the 2028 launch. Further details are expected to be announced at the Tour Championship in two months.

International and Australian Open Implications

The Australian Open is expected to become one of the elevated international events, which may alter its official status. The PGA Tour has an existing agreement to boost prize money and scheduling for the Australian Open through 2029. The strategic alliance with the DP World Tour expires in 2027, with details regarding pathways for DP World Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour University players remaining under discussion.

Background

The agreement was passed by the PGA Tour’s policy board. The restructuring was developed by the Tour's Future Competition Committee, chaired by Tiger Woods.