Renowned golf analyst reaction to huge PGA Tour update speaks volumes
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has given his verdict after the PGA Tour's policy board formally approved considerable changes for the start of the 2026 season.
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has given his verdict after the PGA Tour's policy board formally approved some huge changes for the 2026 season.
The policy board met on 18 November and approved changes to field sizes, eligibility and the FedEx Cup points system that will be introduced over the next two years.
Perhaps the biggest change involves the reduction of fully exempt members on the Tour in a given season, with those who finish inside the top 100 of the prior year's FedEx Cup retaining their status.
Only 20 PGA Tour cards will be awarded to the Korn Ferry Tour graduates rather than 30.
Elsewhere, some Monday qualifiers have been eliminated altogether and in some cases the number of spots given out has been reduced from four to two.
The Tour's pace of play policy has also been updated.
Chamblee gave a dim view of the changes, writing on X: "Sad day for the tour."
What have the PGA Tour said about the changes?
Tyler Dennis, the Tour's chief competitions officer, said it was important to redefine membership.
He said: "Once on Tour, members will have an equitable opportunity to retain their membership and qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
"For our fans, this added competitive drama will in turn create stronger fields and leader boards throughout the season."
"These field size adjustments, which also promote a better flow of play, improve the chances of rounds being completed each day with a greater ability to make the 36-hole cut on schedule under normal weather conditions.
"For our fans, this certainty sets up weekend storylines much more effectively and will make the PGA Tour easier and more enjoyable to follow."
What have the players said?
Some rank and file members have expressed huge discontent.
High-profile players on the board who instigated these changes have been accused of climbing the ladder then pulling it out beneath them.
Lucas Glover told Golfweek on the eve of the vote that the policy board thinks the rest of the membership 'is stupid'.
He reckons the changes have only been implemented as a direct result of the rival LIV Golf League.
"Don't cut fields because it's a pace of play issue," he blasted.
"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,"
Who sits on the PGA Tour's policy board?
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