Big changes are coming to the PGA Tour – are they enough?
Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav
Deep Dive
Why is the PGA Tour reducing the number of fully exempt members from 125 to 100?
The PGA Tour aims to improve the overall product, including the fan experience, television coverage, and corporate partnerships. Reducing the number of exempt members and field sizes is seen as a way to create a more competitive and streamlined tour.
What are the potential unintended consequences of reducing PGA Tour field sizes?
The reduction in field sizes could impact players who rely on conditional status or Monday qualifiers, potentially narrowing the pathways for new talent to emerge. Additionally, it may affect the diversity of events and the opportunities for players to compete.
How will the reduction in PGA Tour membership affect players from PGA Tour University?
The reduction in membership and field sizes could make it harder for players from PGA Tour University to secure spots on the tour, as the pathway through the Korn Ferry Tour becomes more competitive with fewer cards available.
What is the rationale behind reducing FedExCup points for finishes worse than sixth in signature events?
The PGA Tour wants to make the points system more equitable, ensuring that players who perform well in full-field events are not overshadowed by those who finish mid-pack in signature events. This change aims to reward better performance across all tournaments.
Why is the PGA Tour considering reducing or eliminating Monday qualifying spots?
Monday qualifiers have a low success rate, with around 68-70% failing to make the cut. The tour believes this pathway is not a reliable indicator of long-term success and may not contribute significantly to the overall product.
What challenges does the PGA Tour face with its fall schedule?
The fall schedule is seen as an elongated Q school, with players competing for status rather than meaningful tournaments. This has led to confusion and a lack of identity for the fall events, making it harder to attract sponsors and viewers.
What innovative formats could the PGA Tour introduce in the fall to make it more appealing?
The tour could experiment with formats like team events, match play, one-club tournaments, or skins games. These formats could attract more interest and differentiate the fall schedule from the traditional 72-hole tournaments.
Why might top players be reluctant to play in the fall?
Top players, such as Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, have expressed fatigue after a long season and prefer to take time off with their families rather than compete in the fall. This reluctance could weaken the fall schedule's appeal.
- Reduction of fully exempt PGA Tour members from 125 to 100
- Smaller field sizes in most PGA Tour events
- Aim to improve product quality and pace of play
- Potential for unintended consequences
Shownotes Transcript