The PGA Tour have announced a change to their scheduling from 2024 onwards which will now see eight of its leading events – excluding Majors – to feature smaller fields along with the removal of the traditional 36-hole cut.
These ‘designated’ events will be reduced to 70-78 players with elevated prize purses on offer as well as FedExCup points.
The four Major Championships along with the Players Championship remain unaffected with a full field of 156 players and a 36-hole cut like usual.
The finer details for these elevated events, such as the location of these tournaments, are yet to be confirmed by the PGA Tour.
“These smaller, designated event fields will not only deliver substantial, can’t-miss tournaments to our fans at important intervals throughout the season, but they will also enhance the quality of full-field events,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
“Together, this approach provides a schedule that is cohesive, compelling, consequential and with clarity for fans, players and sponsors alike.”
The news has been met with a mixed response with many comparing the PGA Tour’s new schedule to LIV Golf’s format of events.
The Saudi-backed circuit currently play three-day tournaments with no cut as well as their well-documented increased prize purses.
However, the best players in the world – notably Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler – still backed the changes.
“I’m all about rewarding good play,” said the Northern Irishman. “It’s trying to get the top guys versus the hot guys, right? I think that creates a really compelling product.”
Reigning Masters champion Scheffler added: “You got to earn your way still out here on tour.
“There’s plenty of avenues for guys to earn their way into those tournaments, whether it’s this year or next year.”
Both McIlroy and Scheffler are playing at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
