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PGA Tour Eligibility Changes
The PGA Tour proposes significant changes to player eligibility, reducing the number of fully exempt players and Korn Ferry Tour cards, aiming to increase competition and the value of a tour card.
English
United States
SportsCompetitionGolfProfessional SportsEligibilityTournaments
Pga TourKorn Ferry TourLiv GolfPublic Investment Fund
Tom WeiskopfCraig StadlerJustin ThomasMatt MccartyCamilo VillegasJ.t. Poston
- What are the key changes proposed for PGA Tour eligibility?
- The PGA Tour is reducing the number of fully exempt players from 125 to 100 and cutting the number of Korn Ferry Tour cards awarded to top finishers from 30 to 20. This change aims to increase competitiveness and the value of a tour card, echoing a similar initiative from 1983.
- What are the opinions of players on these proposed changes?
- Players generally understand that their success relies on performance, and the proposed changes emphasize this meritocratic approach. Even with the changes, there are opportunities for talented players who aren't fully exempt to earn their way onto the tour through qualification and performance.
- What is the main goal behind these changes to the PGA Tour's structure?
- The changes, set to take effect in 2026, are intended to make it more difficult to maintain a PGA Tour card, rewarding top performers and creating a more competitive playing field. This mirrors the reasoning behind a similar shift in PGA Tour eligibility in 1983.
- Why is the PGA Tour making these adjustments now, given the past changes in the 1980s?
- The proposed changes aim to address the issue of a bloated membership, where having a card often meant waiting for playing opportunities. By reducing the number of cards, the goal is to increase the urgency to play well and maintain status.
- How will the changes impact players who are not currently fully exempt from qualifying?
- While the changes will make it harder to earn and maintain a PGA Tour card, the current proposal also acknowledges the need for pathways for players to advance and earn playing opportunities. This is evident through the allowance for players to play their way into tournaments via qualification.