The PGA Tour is shaking things up in a way that has left golf pros and fans reeling. Major changes set to take effect in the 2026 season include reducing field sizes, slashing Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) graduate spots from 10 to none, trimming full PGA Tour exemptions from 125 to 100, and eliminating both sponsor and Monday qualifier exemptions. These changes mark a significant pivot in how players access the sport’s elite ranks and have already sparked heated discussions across the golf world.
In a recent episode of the Any Given Monday podcast with host Ryan French, Tour pro Billy Horschel voiced concerns over what he sees as a pattern of missed marks in the PGA Tour’s decision-making process. “The Tour never seemed to get anything right the first time. There’s no doubt about that; historically, it’s right,” Horschel said, reflecting on a recurring frustration with the organization’s attempts to refine its methods. Notably, he pointed out that even the FedEx Cup points system—revamped repeatedly in recent years—hasn’t yet struck the right chord for some, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
The latest format adjustments to the FedEx Cup Playoffs, which took effect in 2024, illustrate the ongoing trial-and-error process. Under the previous system, the top 125 players qualified for the Playoffs’ opening event, with fields narrowing each week until only 30 remained for the Tour Championship. The new setup, however, cut the initial field to 70, progressing to 50 in the second round and 30 for the final showdown. Although intended to tighten competition, the changes have drawn mixed reviews from players who worry about further restricting access.
The 2026 modifications raise new concerns. With the number of fully exempt players dropping and Korn Ferry graduate spots slashed, the pool of competitors coming from the KFT—a vital pathway for emerging talent—will shrink. The exemption list for FedEx Cup points is expected to scale down to around 90 to 100 players. While this change may not impact every tournament, it could directly affect events like The American Express, which often feature younger players and KFT graduates.
Horschel defended the shift by emphasizing that success on the course should still be rewarded. “Now, that may mean you have to play even better than historically what other players had to do to get there,” he conceded, noting that while the changes will tighten the field, strong performances can still earn players a spot.
But critics worry the changes create an overly restrictive environment. Fewer available cards mean fewer chances for up-and-coming golfers, placing even more pressure on Korn Ferry players and reducing opportunities for golfers who rely on sponsor exemptions to break through. Long regarded as a critical stepping stone, Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions have provided many players with their first shot at PGA Tour success—a door that’s now closing for many.
While Horschel and others argue that outstanding performance will always open doors, others see the changes as a short-sighted move that limits fresh talent and diversity in the Tour’s competitive pool. As the PGA Tour moves forward, it may have to navigate the fine line between elevating competition and preserving the pathways that have built its legacy. With so many voices in opposition, the Tour’s latest “revamp” could prove to be its biggest challenge yet.
