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PGA Tour Approves Two‑Tier Championship and Challenger Model for 2028

Designed to protect sponsor value by concentrating big purses into set‑field events, the plan creates promotion and relegation with a match‑play postseason.

Overview

  • Tour boards have approved a 2028 framework that splits events into a roughly 20‑event Championship Series with set fields of about 120 players and guaranteed purses north of $20 million per event.
  • The structure formally links that top tier to a Challenger Series through promotion and relegation and bars Championship players from entering Challenger events to protect sponsor investments and TV value.
  • The Tour confirmed a match‑play component and a rotating Tour Championship for the new postseason, but seeding, bracket format and prize distribution are still under committee review.
  • Key operational and commercial details remain unresolved, including how the Challenger will relate to the Korn Ferry and DP World setups, how points and Official World Golf Ranking treatment will work, and the status of major sponsor contracts.
  • Players and commentators are split: some praise clearer schedules and a merit‑based system, while others warn the plan will concentrate money and ranking access among top events and could harm smaller tournaments and local communities.