Tour Announces Major Changes to Field Sizes and Player Eligibility

Starting in 2026, the PGA Tour will reduce full-time memberships and tournament field sizes to address pace of play concerns.

The PGA Tour will decrease the number of full-time cards from 125 to 100, marking the first reduction since 1983.
Field sizes will be reduced in several tournaments, with summer events dropping from 156 to 144 players, and some winter events from 144 or 132 to 120.
The changes aim to improve pace of play, though critics argue that better enforcement of existing rules would be more effective.
Prominent golfers like Lucas Glover, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Padraig Harrington have criticized the reforms, suggesting they limit opportunities for new players.
Pathways to the PGA Tour will also be affected, with fewer cards available through the Korn Ferry Tour and Q-School, making entry more competitive.