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PGA Tour confirms two-tier structure for 2028 season

The PGA Tour will implement a split Championship and Challenger Series starting in 2028, ending the traditional single-field format.

Pierce Quill

September 12, 20262 min read

Golf tournament structure - illustration, Jake Team LLC

The PGA Tour is set to implement a major structural change beginning with the 2028 season, replacing the current single-field format with a two-tier system. According to reports from MyGolfSpy, the new structure will consist of a Championship Series for top-ranked players and a Challenger Series for those seeking to qualify.

This division will create a distinct separation between the two groups, with minimal crossover opportunities. The 2027 season will serve as the final year under the existing rules before this transition takes effect.

Nine events have been confirmed for the upcoming Championship Series. These include the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Cadillac Championship, and the GO by Raymond James, which was previously known as the Wyndham Championship. Other secured spots include the RBC Heritage, The Memorial Tournament, and the Travelers Championship.

The Sentry event will relocate from Kapalua to Torrey Pines. The Truist Championship and an event sponsored by Sompo also hold confirmed positions. While the Genesis Invitational is expected to be part of the lineup, no official confirmation has been issued for the remaining slots.

A significant departure from tradition involves the removal of the Hawaiian Swing as the season opener. The Tour will no longer begin its calendar at Kapalua or Waialae, ending a long-standing custom. Additionally, traditional sponsor exemptions are being eliminated, which removes a historic pathway for outside players to enter events.

The season finale will feature a two-event match-play tournament at elite courses, a format that differs from previous years. The current FedEx Cup sponsorship contract expires in 2027, leaving the future naming rights and financial structure of the season finale uncertain.

The 2027 campaign will act as a bridge between the old and new systems. Players will still travel to East Lake for the Tour Championship under current regulations, but the path to that event will change. The new structure prioritizes elite competition within a closed loop, while the broader field competes for entry into the top tier.

Further details regarding the complete roster of events and specific rule changes remain to be announced.

PGA TOUR employs about 964 people in Nocatee, according to local government records.

Source: sports.yahoo.com.

Sources

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pga-tour-overhauls-2028-season-134500462.html

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Pierce Quill

Pierce Quill reports on local business, new openings, and economic development in Nocatee.

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