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.