Word is out today that the PGA Tour will make significant changes to its schedule for the next season, including limiting fields for its elevated events and eliminating the cuts in those tournaments.
https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1631021739298951174?s=20
Golfweek first reported the news. Fields for the elevated events will be reduced to less than 80, essentially cutting the number of players who participate in these tournaments by half. The PGA Tour raised its purses for these “elevated” events to $20-million this year, but did not alter who could play in the events. For example, the recent WM Phoenix Open was elevated, and Canadian Nick Taylor won more than $2-million for finishing second, which eclipsed his earnings at both of his previous PGA Tour wins.
Reports indicate the fields for elevated events will be comprised of the top 50 players who make the BMW Championship, the second of the FedExCup Playoff tournaments, as well as the top 10 golfers who do not otherwise qualify for the current FedExCup race. Additional spots can be earned through successful play in non-elevated events. The reported plan is to have two elevated events, followed by three regular tournament stops. Any player who wins on tour will automatically get access to all of the elevated events. Sponsor exemptions will also be used, but on a much more limited basis.
How these new changes will impact the RBC Canadian Open remains to be seen. It was not one of the elevated tournaments this year. This year’s tournament is being held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto for the first time. RBC, the bank that sponsors the tournament as well as the Heritage tournament in Hilton Head, is currently negotiating an extension to its title sponsorship.
Commissioner Monahan met with players today and shared plans for a new schedule format.
"The schedule will distribute Designated events and Full-Field events … creating a strong cadence for players and fans alike.”
More details below ⬇️
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 1, 2023