NEW: PGA TOUR Offering Advance For FedEx Cup Qualifiers

After news that the Masters, U.S. Open, and Olympics will all be pushed back due to the coronavirus outbreak, many are wondering if the FedEx Cup will be a casualty of a compacted golf schedule.The PGA TOUR made a move today that might make that casualty a reality.

Today, the PGA TOUR announced that they will be providing cash advances for the players that are in the top 150 of the FedEx Cup standings, as of March 8th. This means that players can receive up to 50% of what they would have earned in their FedEx Cup ranking position, up to $100,000. For players that are in the top 30 of the rankings, where 50% of their earnings would be greater than $100,000, are capped at how much they can request in an advance.

“From the start, we have pledged to listen and be responsive to the needs of our players in this unprecedented time when events are canceled and our members’ ability to compete on the field of play—their livelihood—is on hold. Through the support of our Policy Board and Player Advisory Council, we’re pleased to have found a creative solution to advance payments to players for current and future performance and/or services, which is consistent with our business model”, the PGA TOUR stated.

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Now, this does come with some conditions that make it seem like the FedEx Cup will go on this season. For example, it is stated that players who accept any type of advance on their winnings, are subject to having it taken away through a deduction from whatever money they earn in the actual event. However, that leaves the question of what happens if a player takes an advance and falls out of the rankings or takes more than what they win after the event.

The PGA TOUR has an answer to that question too. If a player takes an advance that ends up being worth more than their winnings at the FedEx Cup, or they don’t play in the FedEx Cup at all, the PGA TOUR will then take 50% of the player’s future winnings until the advance is paid off. Some players near the bottom of the rankings may want to think long and hard if it would be worth it for them to take an advance.

It’s good for the PGA TOUR to offer something like this for players who may be struggling to make money with no events to play. Hopefully, there will be more clarity to the schedule soon so players can get back out onto the course.

Cover Image Via Twitter