The PGA Tour has confirmed sweeping changes to its competitive structure, including a two-tier system with promotion and relegation, set to begin in the 2028 season. The reforms, approved by the Tour's boards following recommendations from the Future Competition Committee chaired by Tiger Woods, have been welcomed by both Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Two-Tier System and Championship Series
Under the new model, the top-level competition will be known as the PGA Tour Championship Series, featuring leading players competing in 23 to 24 events per year. The regular season will run from approximately February to August, with 120-player fields, a 36-hole cut, and minimum purses of $20 million (£15.2 million). These events will include the four majors, the Players Championship, season-ending events, and team competitions such as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
The second tier, the Challenger Series, will serve as the primary pathway to the Championship Series. It will consist of a minimum of 20 events running concurrently with the leading series, with minimum purses of $4 million (£3 million) at each event. These tournaments will be held at venues that have traditionally hosted PGA Tour events.
Promotion, Relegation, and Q-School
A 'last chance' series, featuring four to six events played in the fall, will offer a limited number of spots on the Championship Series for the following season. The Tour will also continue to hold an annual Qualifying Tournament (Q-School) to provide access across the PGA Tour ecosystem.
McIlroy, in a statement, said: "Today’s announcement is a positive step for professional golf. As more details emerge, it is encouraging to see the PGA Tour reaffirming the importance of meritocracy and creating a structure that will serve both players and fans well into the future." He added: "Over the last few years, golf has faced a period of uncertainty and division, which has not been in the best interests of the players, or the fans of the game. Today, we are putting the fans first, and I am excited about the future of our sport."
Tiger Woods and PGA Tour CEO React
Tiger Woods, who chaired the Future Competition Committee, wrote on X: "Honored to stand alongside @brianrolapp today at the @TravelersChamp as we announce the @PGATOUR's new model for 2028 and beyond. This is an exciting moment for the game of golf. It has been a privilege to lead the Future Competition Committee and I am proud of the work we have done to build the best version of the PGA TOUR for future generations of players and fans."
PGA Tour chief executive officer Brian Rolapp, in a letter to fans, said: "Today marks a pivotal moment for the PGA Tour as we move forward with a new competitive system, starting in the 2028 season. Throughout this process, we have listened closely to players, partners and our fans. You told us you wanted to see the best players in the world competing against one another more often. You wanted clearer stakes as the season unfolds. And you wanted a more dramatic finish to the season that rewards excellence and makes every tournament matter. This new model is our response."
Rolapp added: "This model positions the PGA TOUR for the future. Our focus now shifts to finalizing the details and preparing for implementation in 2028."
