The PGA Tour is set for its biggest overhaul in decades with a new two-tier system scheduled to begin in 2028. While every PGA Tour member will be affected, some players stand to benefit more than others because of their consistent performances, world rankings, and ability to remain among the game’s elite.
Starting in 2028, the PGA Tour will be divided into two competitions: the Championship Series and the Challenger Series. The Championship Series will feature approximately 120 players competing in 23 to 24 events from February through August, including the four major championships, THE PLAYERS Championship, and international team events. These tournaments will offer minimum purses of $20 million and will serve as the Tour’s top level of competition.
The Challenger Series will become the pathway to the Championship Series. It will include at least 20 tournaments with minimum purses of $4 million, and players will earn promotion based on their season-long performance. At least 20 players will move up to the Championship Series each year, while players who fail to retain their status will be relegated. The PGA Tour says the new structure is built around merit, giving players a clear performance-based route to compete at the highest level.
Players Who Will Benefit Most From The New Changes
1. Scottie Scheffler
No player is better positioned than Scottie Scheffler. The world No. 1 has consistently dominated the PGA Tour with victories, top-10 finishes, and strong performances in major championships. Under the new Championship Series, which will feature roughly 120 players competing for at least $20 million purses in every event, Scheffler is expected to enjoy more opportunities to compete against the game’s strongest fields while maximizing his earning potential.
2. Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has long advocated for greater competition among the sport’s biggest stars, something the Championship Series is specifically designed to provide. As one of the Tour’s most accomplished and marketable players, he stands to benefit from stronger fields, larger purses, and a schedule that places greater emphasis on elite competition.
3. Viktor Hovland
Hovland has established himself as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers over the past several seasons. The new model rewards players who regularly contend in high-profile tournaments rather than relying on occasional strong finishes. His all-around consistency makes him well suited to remain in the Championship Series, where the biggest prize money and ranking opportunities will be concentrated.
4. Collin Morikawa
Two-time major winner Morikawa has repeatedly shown that he can perform against the strongest fields. With every Championship Series event featuring the Tour’s leading players, Morikawa should have more opportunities to compete in tournaments that match his strengths while avoiding weaker, fragmented schedules.
5. Ludvig Åberg
Åberg represents the type of emerging star the PGA Tour hopes to showcase under its new system. Since joining the Tour, he has rapidly established himself among the world’s elite through consistent performances and strong finishes in major championships. The merit-based Championship Series rewards players who quickly prove they belong at the highest level, making Åberg one of the biggest long-term winners.
6. Ben Griffin
Griffin has improved his standing on the PGA Tour through consistent results rather than relying on exemptions. The new promotion-and-relegation system offers rising players a transparent route into the Championship Series, allowing strong performers to earn elite status based entirely on merit.
Main Photo Credit: © Debby Wong/ZUMA Press Wire
