The PGA Tour announced Monday a series of significant changes to its field sizes, membership structure, priority rankings, and FedEx Cup points system, all of which will take effect at the start of the 2026 season.
These modifications, approved by the PGA Tour Policy Board ahead of this week’s RSM Classic, aim to refine the playing experience and enhance the sport for fans and players alike.
“The PAC discussions were based on a number of guiding principles, including our belief that PGA Tour membership is the pinnacle of achievement in men’s professional golf,” said Adam Scott, a board member and 14-time PGA Tour winner.
“The player representatives of the PGA Tour recognize the need to be continually improving its offerings to enhance the golf fan experience.
The changes approved today will provide equitable playing opportunities for new young talent to be showcased, and positively refine the playing experience for our members.”
Key Changes to Membership and Exemptions
A major shift in membership involves reducing the number of players with exempt status from 125 to 100 based on FedEx Cup standings. Players ranked 101-125 will now hold conditional status with certain provisions rather than full-time status.
Further adjustments will create a new exemption category for those ranked 101-110 through the FedEx Cup Fall.
This group, along with players on major medical extensions, will sit above categories for players ranked 111-125 and 126-150.
The change is designed to improve access for players earning PGA Tour cards through the DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, who have historically faced difficulties gaining entry into full-field events under current exemption rules.
Notably, the top 125 exempt system has been in place since 1983, making this a landmark revision.
Adjustments to Field Sizes
Field sizes will also be reduced to promote a smoother tournament flow. For most one-course tournaments, the maximum field will shrink from 156 players to 144.
Events held before daylight savings—such as the WM Phoenix Open and the Players Championship—will feature fields capped at 120 players. Three tournaments taking place after daylight savings but prior to the Masters will allow for 132 players.
“These field size adjustments, which also promote a better flow of play, improve the chances of rounds being completed each day with a greater ability to make the 36-hole cut on schedule under normal weather conditions,” explained Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour chief competitions officer.
“For our fans, this certainty sets up weekend storylines much more effectively and will make the PGA Tour easier and more enjoyable to follow.”
Korn Ferry Tour and Open Qualifying Changes
The number of PGA Tour cards granted annually to Korn Ferry Tour graduates will drop from 30 to 20.
Additionally, a maximum of five PGA Tour cards will be awarded through Q-School, while the DP World Tour pathway remains unchanged, with the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai (not already exempt) earning PGA Tour cards.
Open qualifying at events will remain unchanged for tournaments with 144-player fields but will be reduced to two spots for fields of 132 players and eliminated entirely for fields of 120 players.
FedEx Cup Points System Overhaul
The FedEx Cup points system will also undergo adjustments, taking effect in 2025. Based on input from Maverick McNealy and other players, the PGA Tour will increase points awarded to runner-up finishers in major championships and the Players Championship.
Conversely, players finishing 11th and beyond in those events will receive fewer points. Similar changes will apply to signature events, with reduced points for those finishing 7th and lower.
“While the FedEx Cup points system operated as projected and met key objectives that were modeled for the season, player feedback indicated we needed to study specific areas of the points system,” said Dennis.
“Input from the membership and the collaboration with the Player Advisory Council were instrumental in developing an equitable points system.”
Broader Implications
These sweeping changes are expected to reshape how players compete for status, entry, and FedEx Cup points, while also refining the viewer experience.
By balancing tradition with innovation, the PGA Tour aims to foster a more dynamic environment for both seasoned competitors and rising stars.
