League: PGA Tour Sport: Golf Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

PGA Tour announces new match play format for season finale in 2028

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 1:15 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

PGA Tour announces new match play format for season finale in 2028

Summary

The PGA Tour revealed a significant overhaul of its season-ending event at East Lake, set to begin in 2028. The traditional stroke-play format will be replaced by a two-week match play tournament featuring a group stage followed by a knockout bracket. Only the top 32 players from the season-long points list will qualify, with the top two from each group advancing to the second week. Rory McIlroy supports the change, stating it aligns with fan demands for more exciting formats. Specific venues for the new event will rotate, breaking from the longstanding tradition of East Lake as the sole location. The tour intends to release full details on the schedule and venues in February 2027.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•New match play format confirmed for season finale starting in 2028
•Event splits into group stage and knockout rounds for top 32 players
•Rory McIlroy endorses the change as a response to fan desires
•Venues for the tournament will rotate among high-profile courses
•Full schedule and venue information will be announced in February 2027

Latest Updates

1:15 PMYahoo Sports — McIlroy Backs Bold PGA Tour Overhaul With New Match Play Format

What they're saying

"
A New Era for the Season Finale The PGA Tour has confirmed a massive change for its season-ending event starting in 2028. The traditional stroke-play format at East Lake will be replaced by a two-week match play tournament. This new structure splits the competition into a group stage followed by a knockout bracket. Only the…
— Yahoo Sports

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