Rory McIlroy drops new statement as massive PGA Tour changes confirmed | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have both welcomed the news that the PGA Tour plans to split into two tiers. The PGA Tour announced sweeping changes to its competitive structure on Tuesday after approving a series of recommendations from the Future Competition Committee, which include promotion and relegation from the start of the 2028 season.

As part of a major shake-up of its structure, the PGA will also have a top-level competition known as the PGA Tour Championship Series, which will feature leading players competing head-to-head in 23 to 24 events per year. The regular season will run from approximately February to August, and tournaments will feature 120-player fields with a 36-hole cut and minimum $20million (£15.2m) purses.

These will include the four majors, the Players Championship, season-ending events, and team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. The Challenger Series will be the primary pathway to the Championship Series, offering players the chance to advance to the top of the sport across a minimum of 20 events running concurrently with the leading series.

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There will be minimum purses of $4m (£3m) at each event, and those events will be played at venues that have traditionally hosted PGA Tour events. There will also be a ‘last chance’ series, featuring four to six events played in the fall, where a limited number of spots on the PGA Tour Championship Series for the following season will be available as players look to improve – or retain – their status.

The Tour will also continue to contest an annual Qualifying Tournament (Q-School) to provide access across the PGA Tour ecosystem. Reacting to the news, McIlroy said in a statement: “Today’s announcement is a positive step for professional golf. As more details emerge, it is encouraging to see the PGA Tour reaffirming the importance of meritocracy and creating a structure that will serve both players and fans well into the future

“I’ve always been proud to compete around the world, and the collaboration between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour is one founded in the betterment of the game globally. The commitment to elevate some of these historic international tournaments and national opens is incredibly important for the game and something I’m very supportive of.

“Over the last few years, golf has faced a period of uncertainty and division, which has not been in the best interests of the players, or the fans of the game. Today, we are putting the fans first, and I am excited about the future of our sport.”

Tiger Woods chaired the Future Competition Committee which recommended the new structure to the PGA Tour boards, and reacting to the news, he wrote on X: “Honored to stand alongside

@brianrolapp today at the @TravelersChamp as we announce the @PGATOUR’s new model for 2028 and beyond.

“This is an exciting moment for the game of golf. It has been a privilege to lead the Future Competition Committee and I am proud of the work we have done to build the best version of the PGA TOUR for future generations of players and fans.”

In a letter to fans, PGA Tour chief executive officer Brian Rolapp said: “Today marks a pivotal moment for the PGA Tour as we move forward with a new competitive system, starting in the 2028 season.

“Throughout this process, we have listened closely to players, partners and our fans. You told us you wanted to see the best players in the world competing against one another more often.

“You wanted clearer stakes as the season unfolds. And you wanted a more dramatic finish to the season that rewards excellence and makes every tournament matter. This new model is our response.

“This model positions the PGA TOUR for the future. Our focus now shifts to finalizing the details and preparing for implementation in 2028.”