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The PGA Tour Eyes Yet Another Format Change for the Tour Championship

The PGA Tour Eyes Yet Another Format Change for the Tour Championship

he PGA Tour is considering a significant format change to the Tour Championship in Atlanta, potentially introducing a seeded event structure as early as 2026. This would mark yet another evolution in the ongoing effort to refine the finale of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Despite the financial success of the FedEx Cup playoffs for the PGA Tour and its members, the Tour Championship has long been viewed as the “fly in the ointment.” Fans and players alike have struggled with the current staggered scoring system, adopted in 2019, where the top seed starts at 10-under par, followed by descending scores for the rest of the 30-player field. While this system ties the FedEx Cup and Tour Championship together into a single competition, its complexity has been a persistent source of frustration.

What’s Next? A Seeded Event with a New Format

Reports from The Athletic and Associated Press suggest that the PGA Tour is leaning toward a hybrid approach for its finale. The proposed format would begin with stroke play to narrow the field, followed by a form of head-to-head match play—adding a dynamic new element to the event.

This would address several critiques of the current format, including the lack of true “playoff” characteristics. Unlike other major sports where playoffs level the playing field for all qualified competitors, the Tour Championship uses a handicap system based on a player’s performance throughout the year, a concept foreign to most traditional playoff structures.

A History of Constant Change

Since its inception in 2007, the FedEx Cup playoffs and Tour Championship have been in flux, continually evolving to address issues with the format:
• 2007–2018: The finale awarded separate trophies for the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, creating a confusing dual-competition dynamic.
• 2019: The staggered scoring system was introduced to unify the competitions. However, its failings became evident when players like Rory McIlroy in 2019 and 2022 posted the lowest scores of the week without necessarily starting as the leader.

The proposed seeded event aims to deliver a truer sense of competition, akin to traditional playoffs, by allowing all qualified players an equal opportunity to win the title.

Challenges Ahead

Implementing a new format is far from straightforward. Changes to the playoff finale require approval from the Player Advisory Council and the PGA Tour Policy Board, making it unlikely that a new structure could debut before 2026. Rushing another iteration of the format for the 2025 season would risk repeating the mistakes of previous quick fixes.

Moreover, any modifications to the playoffs must consider the broader context of the Tour’s recent adjustments. The field size for the FedEx Cup playoffs has already been reduced from 125 to 100 players, and with billions in investments flowing into the PGA Tour, there is mounting pressure to deliver returns that balance fairness and excitement.

The Road Ahead

The PGA Tour faces a delicate balancing act. While change is inevitable, the stakes are higher than ever to get it right. Whether it’s the introduction of a seeded event, further adjustments to the playoff structure, or entirely new ideas, the Tour must prioritize clarity, fairness, and fan engagement in its decisions.

With potential changes to the finale and the influx of outside investments shaping the Tour’s future, fans and players alike are left wondering: What’s next for the FedEx Cup playoffs? One thing is certain—more announcements are on the horizon as the PGA Tour continues to evolve to meet the demands of a modern audience.