PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp announced that the 2028 season will conclude with a new two-week matchplay tournament. The event will feature 32 players selected based on final season-long standings, marking a significant shift from the current strokeplay format used in the Tour's post-season finale.
The competition is structured in two distinct phases. The first week will consist of a group stage where eight groups of four players compete head-to-head. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the second week.
This phase will take place at a different venue than the first, where the remaining 16 players will compete in a knockout style. The player who remains undefeated after four rounds will be crowned the Tour Championship winner.
Rolapp described the new format as an opportunity to create an extended moment that captures the attention of golf and sports fans. He stated that the re-imagined finale is designed to be one of the most difficult tournaments to qualify for and win, testing the world's best golfers in a unique competitive format.
While matchplay is currently used in events like the Ryder Cup, it has not previously been used in the PGA Tour's post-season.
Tiger Woods, who chaired the committee working on the reforms, welcomed the announcement on social media. He stated that the conclusion of the season should be worthy of the journey to get there and that the announcement is a result of the hard work and passion of the players. Woods expressed excitement about ushering in a new era of match play on the PGA Tour.
Rory McIlroy, a six-time Major winner, offered a more measured response during a press conference. He noted that the format is certainly different, involving two weeks and two different venues, but added that he conceptually likes the idea.
