In a move that will dramatically reshape the landscape of professional golf, the PGA Tour policy board has approved a series of sweeping changes to player eligibility and tournament field sizes. Set to take effect in 2026, these adjustments mark the most significant modifications to the tour’s structure since the introduction of the all-exempt system in 1983.
Top 100 Players Retain Full Status
Under the new rules, only the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings will be assured full status on the PGA Tour for the following season. This is a notable reduction from the current system, which grants full playing privileges to the top 125 players. The change aims to create a more competitive environment and ensure that players who consistently perform at the highest level are rewarded with guaranteed opportunities to compete.
Smaller Field Sizes and Reduced Exemptions
In addition to the eligibility adjustments, the PGA Tour will also implement smaller field sizes for tournaments held on a single course with ample daylight hours. The maximum number of players in these events will decrease from 156 to 144. Furthermore, the four restricted sponsor exemptions will be eliminated, with those spots being allocated to the alternate list instead.
The changes approved today will provide equitable playing opportunities for new young talent to be showcased, and positively refine the playing experience for our members.
Adam Scott, PGA Tour Player Director
Tougher Path to Earning PGA Tour Cards
As a result of these changes, the path to earning a PGA Tour card will become more challenging than ever before. Along with the requirement to finish in the top 100 of the FedEx Cup standings, the tour will award only 20 cards to the Korn Ferry Tour, 10 cards to the leading players on the European Tour, and five cards through Q-school. This restructuring of the qualification process aims to ensure that only the most deserving players secure full playing rights on the PGA Tour.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The decision to implement these changes comes in the wake of increased competition from rival tours, most notably the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. By adjusting its eligibility criteria and tournament structures, the PGA Tour seeks to maintain its position as the premier destination for the world’s best golfers while also fostering a more competitive and compelling product for fans.
The reality is that we’re all playing under different circumstances than we were four years ago. We had no competition. We were the best. All of a sudden we have competition and there are little shifts.
Camilo Villegas, Player Advisory Council Chairman
Pace of Play and Points Distribution
The PGA Tour has also addressed the ongoing issue of pace of play by reducing the number of Monday qualifying spots based on field sizes. Additionally, changes to the FedEx Cup points distribution will take effect in 2025, awarding more points to second place finishers and decreasing points for those finishing 11th or lower in tournaments.
Looking Ahead
As the PGA Tour prepares to implement these significant changes, players and fans alike will be closely monitoring the impact on the competitive landscape of professional golf. While some may view the adjustments as necessary steps to maintain the tour’s preeminence, others may argue that they unfairly limit opportunities for up-and-coming talent. Regardless of perspective, it is clear that the PGA Tour is entering a new era, one in which adaptability and a willingness to evolve will be critical to its long-term success.
As the world of professional golf continues to evolve, the PGA Tour’s bold moves to reshape player eligibility and tournament structures represent a proactive approach to navigating an increasingly competitive landscape. By prioritizing performance and creating a more exclusive playing field, the tour aims to solidify its position as the ultimate proving ground for the game’s elite. As the 2026 season approaches, golf enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly await the unfolding of this new chapter in the sport’s storied history.
