New PGA Commissioner Considering Major Schedule Changes

In Jay Monahan’s first interview since taking over as Commissioner of the PGA Tour in November, he outlined several long-term goals and ideas he has for growing the game of golf.

Monahan sees the potential to reach bigger audiences in emerging golf countries, particularly China. Domestically, he cited the 37.4 million non-golfers in the U.S. who are at least somewhat interested in taking up the game, according to 2015 research conducted by the nonprofit Physical Activity Council.

The Massachusetts native sees an opportunity to engage audiences in China, one of many emerging golf countries. Monahan also sees potential here in the states, citing a 2015 poll in which 374 million non-golfers say they’re interested in picking up the game in some capacity.

Monahan is considering tinkering with the overall schedule in an attempt to maximize potential viewership. First, to avoid going head-to-head with the juggernaut that is the National Football League, and second, to have big events every month leading into the FedEx Cup.

The schedule changes would include moving the Players Championship from May to March, moving the PGA Championship from August to May, and ending the FedEx Cup playoffs on Labor Day weekend instead of late September.

It’s a brilliant idea. It’s also kind of a no-brainer.

No one wants to compete with the NFL, let alone the first week or two of the NFL. Not to mention, closing out the season on Labor Day gives you a better chance to have good weather for your final events.

Updating the schedule would mean Waste Management in February, Players Championship in March, The Masters in April, and the PGA Championship in May. That is a great lineup played on great courses with the best players in nearly every field.

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