PGA Tour Could Get More Exclusive Under Proposed Rule Changes

The PGA Tour doled out roughly half a billion dollars in prize and bonus money in 2024, but the opportunity to earn some of that cash may become more exclusive.

Tournament field sizes, tour membership cards, and qualifying chances could all be reduced under proposed changes from the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council. On Nov. 18, the tour’s policy board is set to vote on changes that would take effect in 2026, including:

• The maximum number of players allowed in a tournament dropping from 156 to 144 (from 132 to 120 in some cases)
• Fully exempt tour status dropping from 125 players to 100 each season
• Decreasing the annual tour memberships given to second-tier Korn Ferry Tour players from 30 to 20

Other proposed changes include reducing open qualifying spots for some tournaments, reallocating spots reserved for sponsor exemptions, and adjusting how points are distributed for the FedExCup, which paid out $100 million in season-ending bonuses this year.

Cutting Loose

No changes were proposed to the number of players making a tournament cut, which is typically the top 65 and ties after two rounds. That’s key, as only players who make the cut receive prize money at any given tournament. That keeps the PGA Tour in compliance with Official World Golf Ranking rules, unlike LIV Golf, which does not receive ranking points for its 54-hole events that have roughly 50 players and no cuts.

This is the latest move to consolidate more prize money and rankings points for the PGA Tour’s top players. Signature events will return in 2025 with limited 70–80 player fields and elevated $20 million purses.