PGA TOUR Field Sizes Raise Brash Criticism from Players: ‘They Think We’re Stupid’

PGA TOUR players are really not happy about the new rules the league is adopting regarding field sizes.

Starting in 2026, the field sizes at most PGA Tour events will decrease, and the Tour cards handed out will drop from 125 to 100.

These are the significant changes that were approved by the PGA Tour Policy Board’s Player Advisory Council (PAC) on Monday.

The PGA TOUR Policy Board has approved competitive changes supported by the Player Advisory Council that will deliver a stronger and more competitive PGA TOUR.

Changes include field sizes, eligibility and FedExCup points system.

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 18, 2024

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement:

“Today’s announced changes build on the competitive and schedule enhancements incorporated over the last six years in seeking the best version of the PGA Tour for our fans, players, tournaments and partners. This was a true collaborative effort, and I’m extremely proud of the PAC for the effort they put into evaluating how we build a stronger PGA Tour.”

The reasoning behind the changes, when they were proposed last month, was that tournaments were not wrapping up their first and second rounds due to darkness.

Now, events like The Players Championship, Sony Open, WM Phoenix Open and Cognizant Classic will see their fields drop from 144 to 120 players. Ones in the summer months, such as the RBC Canadian Open, Rocket Mortgage Classic, and Genesis Scottish Open, will see fields go from 156 to 144 golfers.

The reduction in field size brings the drop in tour cards for the first time in around 40 years.

The changes brought with it plenty of criticism.

Lucas Glover told Golf Channel:

“I thought [the proposed plan] was asinine, like most of our recent changes. Limiting players doesn’t help competition. We’re the only sport that decreased the number of teams or players; every other sport has expanded their playoffs or expanded their fields. We are doing the opposite. The Tour’s job description is to do what’s right for the membership, not a few members.”

Sad day for the tour. https://t.co/NRdWaUKvFl

— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) November 18, 2024

Matt Fitzpatrick also wasn’t convinced that the field sizes were the reason for the cutbacks.

Fitzpatrick told The Express:

“I think it’s terrible, and then hiding behind pace of play, I think, challenges our intelligence. They think we’re stupid. Don’t cut fields because it’s a pace of play issue. Tell us to play faster, or just say you’re trying to appease six guys and make them happy so they don’t go somewhere else and play golf.”

The changes will go into effect when tour cards are handed out after the 2025 season.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine