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PGA Tour Shifts Funding To Add $150,000 Safety Net, $15,000 Pathway Grants In 2026

The moves redirect 2022 earnings advances to bolster players outside full exemption.

A view shows the logo of PGA Tour during the Canadian Open’s Championship Pro-Am after news was released of a new partnership between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 7, 2023.  REUTERS/Nick Lachance

Overview

  • The new Member Support Program will provide $150,000 in earnings assurance to players ranked No. 126 and beyond on the prior FedExCup list who were exempt, payable after they compete in 12 combined PGA and Korn Ferry Tour events.
  • Any shortfall below $150,000 at season’s end will be covered with no repayment required, effectively setting a compensation floor for eligible players.
  • The Pathways Player Achievement Grant will give $15,000 upfront to exempt Korn Ferry Tour players ranked Nos. 21–75, plus PGA Tour Americas Nos. 1–10 and the top five available from PGA Tour University, with no event minimum and flexible use.
  • Both programs begin in 2026 and were approved by the PGA Tour policy board, coinciding with the shift to 100 full PGA Tour cards next season from the traditional 125.
  • Funding is being reallocated from the 2022 Earnings Assurance Program that advanced $500,000 to fully exempt members, while the Korn Ferry Tour will also allow distance-measuring devices and impose stepped timed-play penalties of one shot, two shots, then disqualification in 2026.