PGA Tour golfer raises alarm over radical two-tier plan: "That would suck"

Nick Taylor has expressed concern over how proposals to dramatically overhaul the PGA Tour's schedule will affect the RBC Canadian Open. 

PGA Tour chief executive, Brian Rolapp, outlined tentative plans in March to introduce a two-tier system from 2028, with players being promoted and relegated between the levels depending on their performance. 

In recent weeks, a clearer picture has emerged of what a Tiger Woods-chaired committee is proposing

ESPN reported that 'Track 1' would feature 15 to 18 events with field sizes of 120 to 130 and a 36-hole cut, while golfers on 'Track 2' will be attempting to win one of 30 promotion spots available. 

It is yet to be determined which events will be designated 'Track 1' and whether or not members will be able to pick and choose what tournaments they play. 

On Wednesday, Taylor was asked how he would feel if he were barred from playing in his national open, or if other golfers were prevented from qualifying for it should it be designated a 'Track 1' tournament. 

"That would certainly suck," Taylor said. "I talked to a lot of guys that are on the Players Advisory Council, a lot of people with the Tour, I think the goal in mind is to have the best product possible. 

"That's the scenario that I've asked and questioned and what happens in that scenario or in that case. 

"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. 

He added: "So I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I think it would probably obviously lose the Open name of it because nobody can essentially earn their way into it or play into it. 

"So it's unique for us, being a National Open. If you can't play in it, that's going to be a big bummer. 

"But again, I think the goal is to make the best product possible. 

"And I feel like I trust a lot of people that are doing it. When I heard of that, that's definitely a down side, but again, I don't think anything's finalised."

What has been Brian Rolapp said?

The proposed model might take effect in 2028, according to Rolapp. 

Rolapp told reporters before last week's Memorial Tournament he was hoping to announce the changes later this summer. 

The PGA Tour's policy board would have to approve them, he said.  

"I wasn't sure what our expectations were because I knew what we were tackling was significant and felt that it was important to start the conversation and tackle it," Rolapp said.

"There's all sorts of questions. It looks like it's more '28 just because of the complexity of not only the competitive model, but also the commercial things you need to do to actually put a new competitive model in place. 

"So I feel good where we are, but I also had expectations that it wasn't going to be easy."

ESPN have reported 'Track 1' would likely feature 15 to 18 events, plus the four majors and the Players. 

Field sizes will be increased to 120 to 130 and a 36-hole cut would be reintroduced. 

Golfers on Track 2 would be fighting to grab one of 20 to 30 spots available for the following season. 

"At the end of the day, sports is about how good the athletes are and what the competitive consequences are," Rolapp said. 

"I think we have lost a lot of that with the smaller fields, no-cut events. 

"The competitive meritocracy that makes this sport great and unique is what we've gotten away from [and is what] we're getting back to."

Yet to be determined is whether PGA Tour members could be promoted during the season or be forced to wait for the following campaign. 

Not everyone is a fan of the proposals though. 

Jack Nicklaus expressed concern last week, with the Golden Bear explaining he wanted to sit down and talk to Rolapp.

"I hate to see tournaments bunched too much together with too many big tournaments too close together," said Nicklaus. 

"That's a problem, I think, and I think that's going to be a problem for the tour in the future."