PGA Tour outlines eligibility rules for new two-track format starting in 2028

The PGA Tour announced the eligibility standards that will govern its two-track competition model beginning in the 2028 season. Under the new structure, players will be divided between a Championship Series and a Challenger Series, with the ability to move between the tiers each year based on performance.

Eligibility for the inaugural 2028 season will be based on results from the 2026 and 2027 campaigns. Winners of PGA Tour events, major championships, Players Championship and other signature tournaments will receive exemptions, while top finishers on the FedEx Cup points lists, Korn Ferry Tour rankings and PGA Tour University rankings will also qualify. Specific categories include the top 30 of the 2026 FedEx Cup list, the top 70 of the 2027 FedEx Cup list through the Tour Championship, and the top 10 Korn Ferry Tour point earners, among others.

The Championship Series will consist of 114 players and will award points to the top 65 finishers in each event, with 300 points for the winner and 30 points for the 65th place. No sponsor exemptions will be offered, and tournaments will not backfill withdrawn players. The Challenger Series will feature relegated Championship players, Korn Ferry Tour promotions, and qualifiers from Q-School and PGA Tour University rankings. Points for the Challenger Series will be finalized on Nov. 16.

"From the beginning, we set out to preserve the meritocracy that makes our sport unique by creating a system where performance dictates opportunity," PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said in a release.

"Through new eligibility criteria and supporting pathways into the PGA Tour, the new competitive model is designed to reward excellence and ensure there is always a clear path for top performers at every stage of their career," he added.

The changes aim to create clear pathways for advancement and relegation, offering a more transparent competitive environment for players and fans alike.