PGA Tour approves two-tier system with promotion and relegation from 2028

The PGA Tour approved a two-tier competitive structure that introduces promotion and relegation between an elite series and a secondary series, with the changes scheduled to begin in 2028. The Championship Series will run from February to August and include 23-24 events, each with a $20 million purse.

It will feature 120 players on average, the four majors, the Players Championship, season-ending events, and team competitions such as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. The Challenger Series will run at the same time with a minimum of 20 events and $4 million purses.

Fields will be set at 144 players, and two-time winners on this circuit will earn immediate promotion to the Championship Series.

Promotion and eligibility rules A minimum of 90 players will be retained on the Championship Series each season, with at least 20 players promoted from the Challenger Series. A separate "last chance" series of four to six events will offer additional spots on the top circuit.

Full eligibility criteria, including medical extensions and career milestones, will be finalized later this year. Sponsor exemptions will be eliminated.

Leadership transition The PGA Tour also announced that its current CEO will become commissioner in January, succeeding the outgoing commissioner whose 10-year term ends December 31. New markets under consideration for Championship Series events include Boston, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.