The PGA Tour is actively exploring modifications to the Tour Championship’s format in an effort to better align with the interests of fans, television, and corporate partners, as stated by informed sources.
PGA Tour officials have confirmed that several new concepts are under consideration. These ideas focus on enhancing the viewing experience and ensuring the highest level of competition, although they remain confidential at this stage. Sources indicate that adjustments might impact everything from corporate hospitality to the way top performances are recognized and rewarded.
The discussion centers around a bracket of seeds, differing from traditional match play. The goal is to maintain viewer engagement, which can lag in match play events, particularly as the course narrows to fewer matches. One proposed format involves initial stroke play to trim the field, followed by medal matches based on stroke play, ensuring all competitors complete 18 holes.
Another potential change includes matches that would determine positions from first to eighth, with significant variations in prize money. An essential aspect of these changes is the hope to finalize them well before the next Tour Championship, though final approval by the PGA Tour board is necessary. It’s uncertain if decisions will be made before the upcoming Tour Championship event.
Currently, under consideration is reverting to a modified ‘starting strokes’ format introduced in 2019, where the top-ranked player begins the tournament with a score advantage, and others follow in descending order. This format has resulted in only two of the past six FedEx Cup champions having the lowest actual score over 72 holes.
The ongoing deliberations reflect the PGA Tour’s attempts to balance scoring fairness with maintaining competitive drama. Historical formats have sometimes failed to highlight the best-performing player throughout the season, as seen when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson each won separate honors in 2009. The reset of points for the championship allowed all players a chance at winning, yet occasionally it favored players having an off week.
Scottie Scheffler, a recent FedEx Cup winner, remarked, ‘You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament,’ emphasizing the need for a format that accurately reflects year-round performance. Last season, Scheffler’s victory netted him a $25 million bonus, underscoring the stakes involved.
The PGA Tour is not only revising its championship format but is also undergoing broader transformations. The criteria for retaining full Tour cards will be stricter, ranking only the top 100 players. Moreover, starting in 2026, tournament fields will see a reduction in players.
In parallel, discussions with Saudi investors backing LIV Golf continue regarding their potential minority stake in the PGA Tour. The outcomes of such talks could influence the conditions for players returning from LIV Golf.
The proposed changes to the Tour Championship are indicative of the PGA Tour’s ongoing commitment to refining the sport to meet evolving interests. As developments unfold, approval from the PGA Tour board remains essential to set new precedents in golf tournaments.
Source: News4jax
