Conflicting messages are emerging in the world of golf.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong middle class in the sport, stating, “You cannot build a lifelong sport that outlives your stars without creating a system that thrives independently of them.” However, he and Tiger Woods, who leads the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, advocate for a competitive model that embraces scarcity, as well as simplicity and parity, which Rolapp claims the PGA Tour already has in excess.
Yet, questions linger: How long can parity exist alongside scarcity? With the PGA Tour recently reducing its number of fully exempt members, how can it simplify its season while still providing ample playing opportunities?
One Tour, Six Levels of Tournaments
The ATP features various tournament levels, the Grand Slam events offering 2,000 ranking points to victors, followed by Masters 1,000, 500, and 250 events. A similar structure for the PGA Tour could include:
- Majors and The Players (5 events) – 2,000 points for winners
- PGA Tour signature events (10) and playoff events (3) – 1,000 points
- PGA Tour open events (~15) – 500 points
- PGA Tour alternate events (~10) – 250 points
- Korn Ferry events (~25) – 125-175 points
- Americas events (~15) – 50-100 points
This would create an environment where 18 key events garner the most attention: four majors, The Players, 10 signature events, and three playoff events, thereby establishing a model of scarcity.
Seven-Month Calendar
All tournaments would occur from early February to early September, with lower-level events potentially starting earlier. The playoff series for lower levels and Q-School could occupy the fall. Additionally, multiple tournaments of the same level might happen in a week, which would split fields but still maintain competitive integrity.
New Ranking System
A revamped PGA Tour ranking system could mirror the ATP’s 52-week rolling ranking, wherein players are evaluated based on a set number of top performances. The idea would include players’ best 18 results plus playoff appearances, thus ensuring fair representation of performance. Mandatory events must count towards this ranking, ensuring that top players participate significantly.
Continuous Promotion and Relegation
This proposed ranking system could enable a continuous flow of players moving up and down levels based on seasonal performance. Rankings could define exempt statuses for the following year, promoting fairness and competitiveness across all tour levels. Players who excel could earn spots in higher-ranked events, thus fostering equitable competition.
Maintaining Interest in the Fall
Even during football season, demand for golf tournaments remains. The PGA Tour could run a fall schedule featuring lower-level playoffs and Q-School, providing players chances to enhance their rankings while excluding those already secured for upcoming signature events.
Transitioning to this structure may not be straightforward, but it offers potential benefits for stakeholders and could enhance scheduling flexibility. Ultimately, adopting a cohesive tour with varying levels is an innovative approach that deserves consideration.
