PGA Tour set to change eligibility rules by 2028

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 8:30 PM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

PGA Tour set to change eligibility rules by 2028
Summary

The PGA Tour plans to implement new eligibility criteria starting in 2028, establishing a two-tier system with the Championship Series and the Challenger Series. These changes will limit qualification to seven specific pathways, contrasting sharply with the current 48 categories that privilege longstanding members. The new structure emphasizes meritocracy, impacting prominent players like Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm, especially in light of their recent participation challenges and the uncertain status for those returning from LIV Golf. Discussions continue regarding the fate of DP World Tour players and their access to PGA Tour cards. Due to this upheaval, many players are anxious about their future prospects.

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By the Numbers
  • PGA Tour to divide into Championship and Challenger Series in 2028
  • New rules will reduce qualifying pathways to seven
  • Tiger Woods maintains a lifetime exemption for Signature events until 2027
  • Jon Rahm's future uncertain without a returning member program
  • DP World Tour players' status remains to be determined
Latest Updates
  • 8:30 PMYahoo SportsPGA Tour gets tougher for everyone, even Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Just not yet | Opinion
What they're saying
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Even the apparent winners in golf’s civil war will find aspects of the new structure unappealing. Rory McIlroy, for one.

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