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PGA Tour Boards Approve Two‑Tier Championship and Challenger Model for 2028

Tour leaders say the overhaul is designed to sharpen competition, strengthen media and sponsor value, create clearer player pathways.

Overview

  • The PGA Tour policy and enterprises boards approved the two‑tier plan on Tuesday, establishing a top‑level Championship Series and a concurrent Challenger Series that will begin in the 2028 season.
  • The Championship Series will stage about 23–24 events from roughly February through August with fields near 120 players and minimum purses of $20 million per event.
  • The Challenger Series will run at the same time with at least 20 events, larger fields of about 144 players and minimum purses of $4 million, serving as the main pathway to the top tier.
  • Movement between tiers will be mostly season‑to‑season: a minimum of 90 players retain Championship status each year, at least 20 Challenger players earn promotion annually, and two Challenger wins in one season trigger immediate promotion.
  • Boards also confirmed CEO Brian Rolapp as commissioner effective Jan. 1, the postseason will add match play and a rotating Tour Championship, and final eligibility, points and commercial terms must be completed later this year ahead of the 2028 rollout.