PGA Tour Introduces New Elite Championship Series for 2028

WHO:

NBC Sports - Brian Rolapp is the CEO of the PGA Tour.

NBC Sports - Rory McIlroy is a professional golfer who commented on the new structure.

The New York Times - Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley are mentioned as potential players affected by the new rules.

WHAT:

NBC Sports - The PGA Tour announced a new two-tier model for its tournaments, introducing the Championship Series and Challenger Series.

NBC Sports - The Championship Series will treat its tournaments with equal standing as the four majors and The Players Championship.

NBC Sports - Winners of Championship Series events will receive a two-year exemption on the elite circuit.

The New York Times - The top 90 players from the previous season will be guaranteed spots in the Championship Series.

The New York Times - The top 20 players from the Challenger Series will be promoted to the Championship Series.

The New York Times - A "Last Chance Series" will be held in the fall with four events to determine three additional spots in the Championship Series.

WHERE:

NBC Sports - The PGA Tour is based in the United States, with events held at various locations.

WHEN:

NBC Sports - The new two-tier structure will take effect in 2028.

NBC Sports - The PGA Tour will honor exemptions earned in 2026, lasting through 2031 for certain players.

The New York Times - The top 70 in the FedEx Cup through the Tour Championship in 2027 will qualify for the Championship Series.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The changes aim to reward excellence and provide a clear path for top performers at every stage of their career.

HOW:

NBC Sports - The new system eliminates five-year exemptions for winning majors, replacing them with two-year exemptions.

The New York Times - Players in the top 50 of the PGA Tour career money list have a one-time exemption to stay in the Championship Series if relegated.

The New York Times - Players can earn spots in the Championship Series through FedEx Cup points, tournament wins, and performance in the Korn Ferry Tour.

The PGA Tour has announced a new two-tier model for its tournaments, introducing the Championship Series and Challenger Series, with the changes set to take effect in 2028. Under this new structure, the Championship Series will treat its tournaments with equal standing as the four majors and The Players Championship, while winners will receive a two-year exemption on the elite circuit. Notably, the top 90 players from the previous season are guaranteed spots in the Championship Series, and a "Last Chance Series" will be held in the fall to determine three additional spots.