Proposed Changes for PGA Tour Championship Format
KAPALUA, Hawaii — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has signaled that significant changes may be forthcoming for the Tour Championship, which decides the FedEx Cup champion. His year-end message to the Tour staff hinted at a thorough examination of existing systems, suggesting that no aspects are off the table for review.
The timeline for these potential changes and their specific details remain uncertain, as they hinge on future studies and the approval of the PGA Tour board. A major challenge lies in unifying the various viewpoints among stakeholders involved in the Tour. Patrick Cantlay, one of the players on the board, expressed his desire to see an updated format that excites both players and fans alike. He mentioned that while discussions are happening, no concrete plans have emerged.
According to two PGA Tour officials, various concepts are still under consideration, focusing on how changes might impact elements such as broadcasting and corporate hospitality at East Lake, where the Championship takes place. Notably, discussions have yet to reach the Players Advisory Council, which has recently been more actively involved in other changes regarding player eligibility and tournament fields.
Cantlay emphasized the importance of being open to new ideas, noting the existing format has evolved multiple times already. The Tour appears to be leaning towards a seeded bracket system. Though this format is considered one of the most straightforward in golf, it could be less appealing to viewers as the competition narrows down. One of the ideas involves utilizing stroke play to reduce the field before transitioning to head-to-head matches, ensuring 18 holes of play.
Cantlay, the FedEx Cup winner in 2021, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current format, which has been in use since 2019. This system awards “starting strokes,” where the top seed begins at 10-under par, while those further down start at even par. This was intended to clarify the distinction between the Tour Championship winner and the FedEx Cup champion. In 2018, Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship, overshadowing Justin Rose’s victory as the FedEx Cup champion, highlighting the confusion surrounding the previous formats.
The financial stakes have escalated, with the FedEx Cup champion now receiving a $25 million prize. Scottie Scheffler claimed the title last year, finishing an exceptional season without posting the lowest 72-hole score at East Lake — a recurring phenomenon where the top earner may not always have the best score.
Adam Scott, another board member, cautioned against hastily changing a format he considers a “legacy” event. He won the Tour Championship in 2006, just before the FedEx Cup was introduced the subsequent year. Scott remarked how the significance of the Tour Championship has diminished over the years due to numerous changes, suggesting that a thorough reevaluation could benefit both players and the tournament’s prestige.
Translating the concept of bracketology from sports like basketball to golf poses challenges. The unique qualities of golf mean that rankings are not as easily defined, making head-to-head narratives trickier. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley criticized the current structure as “clunky” but showed interest in the idea of two players competing directly against each other, emphasizing the true pressure involved in vying for the FedEx Cup.
Scott and Collin Morikawa pointed out that seeding holds different implications in golf. Talent levels can be closely matched, making predictions about outcomes difficult. Scott suggested that traditional tournament formats could be merged with a final day for select players competing directly for the FedEx Cup.
Tony Finau expressed concerns over introducing head-to-head formats due to the weight of the stakes involved and the lack of match-play events in the PGA Tour calendar. He believes that while such a format might heighten drama, overall fairness remains paramount. Finau concluded by reaffirming that regardless of the format changes, substantial financial incentives will continue to attract players.
