The policy board of the PGA Tour introduced changes to eligibility criteria, marking the first job reductions since the initiation of the all-exempt tour in 1983. These alterations, approved on Monday, result in a decrease of 25 cards through the FedEx Cup, with only the top 100 participants guaranteed full status for the subsequent year beginning in 2026.

The proposals came from the 16-member Player Advisory Council, aiming to ensure that all players with a full PGA Tour card have the opportunity to compete in a sufficient number of tournaments to maintain their status. Among other changes, the board sanctioned a cap on field sizes to a maximum of 144 players, reduced from the previous 156 for tournaments held on a single course with enough daylight. Additionally, the four restricted sponsor exemptions have been dropped, shifting those privileges to the alternate list instead.

While open tournaments will still receive unrestricted sponsor exemptions, typically totaling four, these changes pave the way for even more competitive conditions next year as over 170 cardholders aim to secure their place within the top 100.

Adam Scott, a player director on the policy board and member of the competitions subcommittee of the PAC, shared insights into the rationale behind these discussions. He emphasized that the proposed modifications aim to create fair playing opportunities for emerging talents while enhancing the overall experience for current members.

Securing a PGA Tour card is set to become increasingly challenging. In addition to needing to rank within the top 100, the tour is reducing the number of cards available from the Korn Ferry Tour to 20, alongside secured positions for the leading 10 players from the European Tour who are not already exempt, and five from Q-school.

Players emerging from the Korn Ferry and European competitions will find themselves lower in priority compared to those within the top 100 and tournament victors, which previously necessitated extended periods without competitive opportunities. Historically, only the top 60 players were guaranteed exemption, with additional players having to qualify until the tour transitioned to an all-exempt format for the top 125 in 1983—a standard that had remained unchanged for decades.

This revision comes as part of the PGA Tour’s response to the impacts of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, which has recently disrupted traditional competitive norms since its inception in June 2022. Over the past two years, the tour has also introduced $20 million signature events featuring smaller fields and a postseason exclusive to the top 70 players.

PAC Chairman Camilo Villegas remarked on the current competitive landscape, noting that the environment had drastically shifted since the lack of competition four years ago. He expressed confidence that the new proposed changes would enhance the overall product of the PGA Tour.

Additionally, the PGA Tour revealed adjustments to the FedEx Cup points distribution that will commence in 2025. The revamped model will allocate increased points for second place while reducing points for players finishing 11th place and lower, with decreases for signature events beginning after seventh place.

Regarding Monday qualifying rounds, availability will be limited to offering four spots exclusively for 144-player fields, decreasing to two for 132-player fields. No spots will be available when only 120 players participate.

The board also examined ongoing concerns about pace-of-play, which officials have cited as largely influenced by excessive numbers of players on the course. The updated field size will accommodate 120 players prior to Daylight Savings Time, increasing to 132 and a maximum of 144 players during summer months.