Reduction in field sizes among proposed PGA Tour changes

In a 23-page document sent to players on Tuesday, the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council outlined proposals that intend to improve the tournament experience while amending the FedEx Cup points system, multiple outlets reported.

In potential changes that would not go into effect until the 2026 season, some PGA Tour events could see fields shrink by as many as 12 participants, while the number of players holding a PGA Tour card would decrease.

Reasons for smaller fields vary from pace of play to the number of early rounds that are pushed to the following day because of darkness.

While it will be proposed that runner-up finishes in major tournaments, as well as the Players Championship, increase the FedEx Cup points that are awarded, spots further down the order of finish in majors and signature events would receive less points.

All proposed changes would be subject to a vote by the PGA Tour policy board, when it meets on 18 November, ESPN reported.

NOTABLE PROPOSED CHANGES:

– A full-field event played on a single golf course would shrink from 156 players to 144. And full-field events on one course before daylight savings time would shrink from 132 players to 120. Tournaments played over multiple courses would continue to have 156-player fields.

– The number of exempt players on the PGA Tour would be reduced from 125 to 100, although the 25 spots eliminated under the proposal would maintain conditional status.

– PGA Tour cards earned through the Korn Ferry Tour would be reduced from 30 to 20 each year, and cards earned through qualifying school would be limited to five.

– Runner-up finishers in major tournaments would receive 100 more points than currently distributed, while players will receive 10 less points from a finish of 11th place on down.