The PGA Tour is considering a split into two competitive levels. A finalized 2028 schedule could arrive within the next three weeks. This overhaul aims to modernize professional golf through promotion and relegation.

CEO Brian Rolapp spoke to the media at the Memorial Tournament on Wednesday, June 3, near Columbus, Ohio.

The proposed plan includes a top-tier tour featuring more than 20 events, 120-player fields, and $20 million purses. Below it would be a second tier with promotion and relegation, allowing players to move between levels based on performance.

"The amount of change and the questions we're asking ourselves are not easy by design," he said. "But I think we're making substantial progress."

He added, "Depending upon what we do in the next handful of weeks will determine how substantive that is."

Before any changes can happen, a committee meeting will take place on June 9. After that, the PGA Tour plans to make an announcement during the Travelers Championship. However, the Tour's policy board must approve the proposal before it can become official.

The plan has faced criticism from several groups. Some players believe it is simply the current PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour system with fewer tournaments.

Second-tier organizers are questioning large purses for developmental events. Media partners also need clarity on future broadcast rights.

The playoff format remains unsettled. A reduced two-event postseason with match play is under discussion. As Golf Digest reported on June 3, Torrey Pines could open the 2028 season, with the calendar wrapping up in late summer.

The Work Already Done and What Still Needs to Happen

More than 30 meetings have taken place across committee sessions, working groups, player meetings, Player Advisory Council discussions, and board sessions.

Player involvement has shaped the direction. Format ideas for the playoffs are coming from inside the locker room, not handed down.

"I've been a big believer that you can come up with any format you want, if it doesn't feel authentic to the players, like it's real authentic competition, it's not going to feel authentic to anybody," Rolapp said.

Some changes could start as early as next season, but bigger changes are likely to come in 2028. How much progress is made between now and the Travelers Championship will determine which plan comes first.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav