The PGA Tour has officially approved a major overhaul that will begin in 2028, introducing a two-tier competition structure designed to reshape the professional game. PGA Tour CEO and commissioner-designate Brian Rolapp outlined the broad vision during the Travelers Championship, but the new format has drawn both praise and criticism from senior golf stars.
How The New Two-Teir System Works
Under the new system, the top level will be known as the Championship Series. It will feature 23 to 24 events from February through August, including the major championships, the Players Championship, and team events. Every tournament in the series will offer a minimum purse of $20 million, and sponsor exemptions will no longer be available.
The second level, called the Challenger Series, will include at least 20 events with $4 million purses. Players can earn promotion to the Championship Series by finishing inside the season’s top 20 or by winning twice during the season. At the same time, lower-ranked players from the Championship Series will be relegated each year.
New Format Earns Support and Opposition From Senior Golf Stars
Several leading players have welcomed the changes, believing the new structure will benefit both competitors and fans. Xander Schauffele said he is encouraged by the Tour’s long-term direction.
“It’s nice though to think that this is going to be, whatever it ends up being, will be what golf will be for at least until I’m done playing. I think these last three or four years have been a little hectic. You don’t really know… you know what you’re playing for, but at the same time, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Rory McIlroy had previously questioned the idea of a second-tier schedule, arguing that those events could lack prestige and that some tournaments might lose their status without stronger sponsorship. He also maintained that the PGA Tour’s structure before LIV Golf had worked well and warned against making unnecessary changes.
However, after the official announcement, McIlroy described the new format as a “positive step.” He praised its merit-based structure, its focus on improving the fan experience, and its effort to strengthen historic international events through collaboration with the DP World Tour.
Ben Griffin also expressed optimism about the revamped system and believes it will improve the experience for both players and fans.
“I think it’s going to be super competitive. It’s going to be an incredible product, it’s going to be easier to follow as a fan, which I think is good.”
Despite the support, not everyone is convinced the changes are entirely positive. Former Open Championship winner Stewart Cink, who is enjoying a standout season on the PGA Tour Champions after winning the year’s first two major events, admitted he has mixed feelings about the new era.
“One thing right now I can’t decide is, do I wish I was 25 again and had like a chance to get into this new world that’s coming out and try to work my way up in the top? Or am I glad that I’m 53? I don’t know,” Cink said.
The PGA Tour’s new two-tier system marks one of the biggest structural changes in modern professional golf. While many players believe it will create a more competitive and fan-friendly product, others remain cautious about how the changes will reshape the Tour when they take effect in 2028.
Main Photo Credit: © Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
