PGA TOUR Pro Has Colorful Language to Describe the New Fall Schedule Changes

PGA Tour veteran Jimmy Walker said that friends congratulated him for finishing 124th in the FedEx Cup standings after last month’s Wyndham Championship. 

Typically, a finish in the top 125 would’ve meant a spot in the first playoff event (FedEx St. Jude Championship) and a tour card for next season. 

Not this year. 

“They changed the rules. It’s been 125 forever. Then it’s like, no, it’s 50, or is it 70? It’s definitely not 125. It’s total bulls–t, that’s what I think of it,” Walker said to GolfWeek’s Adam Schupak. “I’ve been working for 11 months to finish 124 and it’s like, nope, keep playing. So, I’m going to give it all I’ve got. That’s all I can do.”

Jimmy Walker sounds off on the PGA Tour’s new FedEx Cup Fall https://t.co/ZOweIxb2zT

— Golfweek (@golfweek) September 16, 2023

With the transition from the season that went from September to August back to a calendar-based season, the PGA Tour was tasked with making the fall events meaningful on their own. 

The answer was to make only the top 70 reach the playoffs and make the rest compete for the top 125 throughout the fall. 

“They’ve done such a bad job communicating what is happening, partly because I don’t think they knew what was happening, honestly,” Walker said. “It’s been one way forever. LIV and the Saudis happen and a lot of things change and everybody freaks out and we sign an agreement that stops litigation. I don’t know what’s going on. They’re talking about a big payout for the players that have stayed. All of it is blowing my mind. The Tour is doing everything they can to take care of themselves and not for the players. I’m just out here grinding, giving it all I’ve got. I’ve given them 20-some-odd years out here, you know.”

“It’s fun and exciting, unless you’re one of the ones trying to keep your job and then it’s a strain,” added Peter Malnati, who finished tied for 11th at the Fortinet Championship on Sunday. 

Walker said that he was disappointed PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan wasn’t at Silverado to explain the new rules and answer players’ questions. 

An extension of the season with plenty at stake.

The FedExCup Fall is set to bring plenty of action 🏌️‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/ioJ9I5tjs7

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 13, 2023

Walker finished tied for 30th at the first event of the fall series, climbing from 124th in points up to 121. After the Ryder Cup, there are six more events left in the fall schedule.