The PGA TOUR announced details on August 25 for its new season-ending competitive model, set to begin in 2028. This new structure aims to provide a clearer and more impactful conclusion to the PGA TOUR Championship Series, culminating in a TOUR Championship that will feature top players competing in match play over two weeks at different courses.
The TOUR initially introduced its new competitive framework in June, which includes both the PGA TOUR Championship Series and the PGA TOUR Challenger Series. The Championship Series will showcase the TOUR’s leading performers in 72-hole, stroke-play tournaments with a cut, using a season-long points system for measurement.
The reimagined season conclusion will feature the PGA TOUR Championship Series Finale, where a season-long winner will be determined. This will be followed by two weeks of match play across two distinct courses to crown a TOUR Champion. The format will include a compact field and a unique structure.
PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp stated that the Future Competition Committee’s goal was to create an easier-to-follow competitive model for fans, with increased consequence and a stronger season-long narrative. He noted that feedback from fans, players, and partners emphasized the need for a season culmination worthy of the journey.
The new season-ending stretch will consist of three main components:
PGA TOUR Championship Series Finale
The top 90 players on the PGA TOUR Championship Series points list will secure their cards for the subsequent season. They will also gain entry into the PGA TOUR Championship Series Finale. Participation in this event is required for players to earn the season-long title, receive bonus money, or qualify for the TOUR Championship.
This 72-hole, stroke-play event will recognize both a tournament champion and the number one finisher on the season-long points list. Official purse distributions will be based on the tournament leaderboard, while the points list after the event will determine the season-long winner. Only the top 32 players on the final season-long points list will advance to match play in the TOUR Championship.
TOUR Championship Week 1
As a separate, standalone event, the TOUR Championship will feature the world’s best players in match play across a rotation of prestigious venues, including courses not traditionally used by the modern PGA TOUR. This will be the first time match play is used at the TOUR Championship, and the first time the format has been contested on TOUR since the 2023 WGC-Match Play event.
The first week will involve a 32-man field divided into eight groups of four players for three days of group match play. Each participant will play against the other three players in their group. The top two players from each group will advance to Week 2 of the TOUR Championship. In case of a tie at the end of group play, a playoff will decide who advances.
TOUR Championship Week 2
The championship concludes with head-to-head match play, with all 16 participants playing four days of matches at a different venue than the one used the previous week. Players will advance through a bracket based on their win-loss record. The two undefeated players after the first three days of competition will face off on the final day to be crowned TOUR Champion. Individual player records across all four days will determine the final championship standings.
The PGA TOUR plans to reveal the full schedule of dates and venues for the 2028 PGA TOUR Championship Series, including both sites for the 2028 TOUR Championship, on February 22, 2027, during a live broadcast event at PGA TOUR headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Eligibility criteria for the 2028 PGA TOUR Championship Series will be announced following the September 14 board meeting, with further updates provided as details are finalized.
