The PGA Tour is set to implement a two-tiered schedule in 2028, featuring a Championship Series and a Challenger Series. Under the new rules, players eligible for the elite Championship Series will be prohibited from competing in the lower-tier Challenger events, a stipulation that former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover says “stinks” due to its impact on tournament loyalty and player choice.
Why the PGA Tour is changing its structure
PGA Tour commissioner Brian Rolapp unveiled the revamped schedule on June 23, 2024, ahead of the Travelers Championship. The changes, which aim to modernize the tour’s competitive landscape, were formally approved by the board following recommendations from the Future Competition Committee, chaired by Tiger Woods.
The structure splits the Tour into two connected circuits. The Championship Series will serve as the elite level, featuring 23 to 24 events per season. These tournaments will offer purses of at least $20m, include a 36-hole cut, and host field sizes of at least 120 players. The Challenger Series, designed as the second tier, will feature 20 events per year with minimum purses of at least $4m. Promotion and relegation between these tiers will occur annually, with at least 20 players moving up to the top circuit.
The elite Championship Series will include the four major championships and The Players Championship, formalizing their place within the new two-tiered framework.
The controversy over playing rights
The primary point of contention among players is the restriction preventing elite-level golfers from dropping down to play in Challenger Series events. Lucas Glover, speaking after the first round of the John Deere Classic, noted that the rule was a “very, very, very hot topic” during Players Advisory Council (PAC) meetings.
Glover argued that players may have personal or strategic reasons to prefer smaller events. “I said, I would choose to come here and play for less points and less money than a track one event… I’m trying to win; I don’t care about the money,” Glover told reporters. He acknowledged, however, that the restriction is a commercial necessity, as sponsors of the $20m “track one” events would be difficult to sell if top stars were opting to play elsewhere.
Impact on star players and local events
The new restriction may create friction for players who have deep ties to specific tournaments. World number one Scottie Scheffler has historically played the CJ Cup Byron Nelson every year, a tournament where he made his PGA Tour debut as a teenager. Under the new rules, such events are unlikely to be designated as top-tier, potentially barring Scheffler from returning.
Nick Taylor has similarly raised concerns about the future of the RBC Canadian Open. “I’ve asked and questioned and what happens in that scenario or in that case,” Taylor said prior to the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. He noted that many players have local events they would prefer to support, and he would not welcome a scenario where those events are excluded from the Championship Series.
Keep an eye on the official PGA Tour schedule announcements for 2028 to see which historic tournaments maintain their status as Championship Series events.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can players move between the two series? Yes, promotion and relegation will occur annually based on performance, with at least 20 players earning promotion to the Championship Series each season.
- Why can’t top players choose where to play? According to Lucas Glover, sponsors of the $20m Championship Series events would find it a “tough sell” if top-ranked players were allowed to drop down to lower-tier tournaments.
- When do these changes take effect? The new two-tiered circuit structure is scheduled to begin in 2028.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming changes to the PGA Tour? Should players have more freedom to choose their schedule regardless of the event’s tier? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on professional golf.
