Major champion on PGA Tour rule change: "It stinks, but it kind of made sense"

Former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover says one change coming to the PGA Tour "stinks". 

PGA Tour chief executive and commissioner, Brian Rolapp, outlined proposals for a revamped schedule on 23 June ahead of the Travelers Championship. 

The changes were formally approved by the Tour's policy board following recommendations from the Tiger Woods-chaired Future Competition Committee. 

Promotion and relegation will be a key element in the new-look PGA Tour, with the creation of a Championship and Challenger Series. 

According to Glover, though, one stipulation has been a point of contention amongst the membership. 

And that is the stipulation that golfers eligible for the top-level Championship Series will not be able to drop down to the tier below. 

The reason, Glover told reporters after the first round of the John Deere Classic, is purely commercial. 

Tournament sponsors will be expected to pony up some $20m for the 'track one' events, with the second level expected to have purses of at least $4m.

"That was a very, very, very hot topic on the PAC [Players Advisory Council] and amongst the board from what I understand," Glover said. 

Glover added: "I used this [playing the John Deere Classic] as an example. 

"I said, I would choose to come here and play for less points and less money than a track one event with more money and more points because, chances are, I'm going to do better here than there. 

"I'm trying to win; I don't care about the money. Then it was [explained] to me commercially and what we're going to be asking these sponsors to do, one compared to the other. It stinks, but it kind of made sense."

Glover said there are people "a lot smarter than me" making those decisions. 

He continued: "But that was a huge, huge point of contention and discussion, but it's just going to have to be the way it is.

"Change is hard, but it's sometimes necessary. 

"I was on the side of I sure would like to choose and be able to play one or two down, but with what they're going to be asking these sponsors to pony up, that's going to be a tough sell."

Who is going to be annoyed by this change?

There are likely going to be several top stars a bit miffed by this stipulation. 

For example, world number one Scottie Scheffler always tees up at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson every year given his emotional ties to the tournament. 

The American made his PGA Tour debut at TPC Craig Ranch as a teenager on a sponsor's invite. His sister caddied for him. 

But the annual stop is unlikely to be designated a top tier event. 

How will Scheffler feel about potentially not being allowed play his home event every year?

Elsewhere, Nick Taylor has expressed concern that the RBC Canadian Open may not feature on the Championship Series schedule. 

"That's the scenario that I've asked and questioned and what happens in that scenario or in that case," Taylor said before the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.

"I guess time will tell. I wouldn't love that certainly. I know there's a lot of guys that maybe have their local events that that might be a possibility as well."

What will the PGA Tour look like in 2028?

The PGA Tour will be split into two connected circuits in 2028. 

The PGA Tour Championship Series will be played concurrently with the PGA Tour Challenger Series. 

Players will move between the tiers based on their performances each season. 

The elite level will feature 23-24 events per season with field sizes of at least 120 players, a 36-hole cut and purses of $20m. 

It includes the four majors and The Players. 

Players will no longer be allowed to accept sponsor exemptions to track one events. 

The Challenger Series will feature 20 events per year, with purses of at least $4m. 

At least 20 players will be promoted annually.