PGA Tour boss likens new promotion and relegation system to Premier League

Incumbent PGA Tour commissioner Brian Rolapp has likened the circuit's new two-tier promotion and relegation system to the structure in place in the English Premier League.

On Tuesday, the PGA Tour approved multiple landmark changes that would see two new leagues established for the 2028 season: the PGA Tour Championship Series and the PGA Tour Challenger Series.

The world's best golfers will compete in the Championship Series over approximately 24 events each season, and underperforming players will be in danger of being relegated to the Challenger Series.

PGA Tour reveals format shake-up featuring promotion and relegation

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Those playing in the second tier will be able to gain promotion to the Championship Series, akin to how the promotion and relegation system works across the English football pyramid.

Rolapp first revealed PGA Tour bosses were considering overhauling the schedule at The Players Championship in March, and then explained his fondness for how "powerfully" promotion and relegation work in football.

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The move is fuelled by Rolapp's ambitions to enhance the "competitive stakes" of the PGA Tour, while also bringing greater clarity to fans who do not follow golf regularly.

"The Premier League is a decent analogy," Rolapp told Sky Sports this week. "We felt in the PGA Tour, especially when you create this new model where the best 120 players are competing consistently against each other, that whoever comes out on top really should be celebrated.

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Championship Series at a glance

23-24 events including majors, Players and Ryder/Presidents Cup

Shorter February-August regular season

120-player events, 72 holes, 36-hole cuts

At least $20m tournament prize money

New-look post-season including match play event

Rotating Tour Championship venues

New consistent points system across all events

Regular season champion

Top 90 players in standings safe for following season

"I could argue that this is the most amazing accomplishment in the sport of golf because you're doing it week in, week out, against the world's best.

"Much like Premier League soccer, that should be rewarded."

While the incumbent PGA Tour commissioner hasn't confirmed what the relegation system could look like, he added that it would work in tandem with the circuit's post-season match-play event, the Tour Championship.

"The new structure introduces other drama too, including relegation, just like in the Premier League," Rolapp said.

Challenger Series at a glance

20 events on traditional PGA Tour courses

Regular season also runs February-August

Seven events held on Championship Series off weeks

144-player fields, 72 holes, 36-hole cuts

At least $4m event prize money

Points system also recognises major performances

At least 20 players promoted to top series each year

Automatic promotion for multiple series titles or major win

Q-School to continue

"For example, 'Premier League side A' has already locked up the season, but 'Premier League side Z' is fighting for its life.

"I think you'll see that here, and that adds consequence.

"I think down the stretch into that season finale, there will be a lot of storylines showcasing not just the top guys, but a lot of our players and that will culminate into an amazing event in and of itself, which is the Tour Championship with match play."

Following that, a number of the world's best players would be eligible to play in a limited series of international events in collaboration with the DP World Tour, which would be played in the autumn, after the conclusion of the American summer swing.

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"I think there are a lot of changes," Rolapp added. "But the best way to think about it is we just made the PGA Tour more competitive and simpler to follow.

"By creating the Championship Series where the best 120 golfers are going to play together more often and crowning a regular-season winner, before then moving into match play in the postseason at an iconic course, I think that is just going to raise the excitement.

"Doing all of this while leaning into making what makes golf great, and part of that is the meritocracy, you are among the best because you've earned it. Whether you're a golf fan or not, or you're a sports fan, you understand that.

"So hopefully we've taken a big step forward."

Fleetwood: Competitive aspect is important

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Tommy Fleetwood believes the new structure will raise the PGA Tour's competitive stakes, something he believes is critical.

"It will be interesting," Fleetwood said at The Travelers Championship this week. "I think you have two very competitive models.

"I think you got the best players in the world playing against each other week in, week out, and then you have a very competitive model in terms of trying to earn promotion from the Challenger Series.

"So I don't know which tournaments fit in where exactly, but I think it will be cool. I think it's just that competitive aspect. I think the great thing is, wherever you sit in the game or whoever you're playing, if you play how you want to play, you will end up where you want to be.

"For the guys playing in the Championship Series, having the opportunity with great golf to be able to work your way up, I think it's important, and I think that's probably the most important aspect of it all, really."

Scheffler: We're moving in the right direction

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Four-time major winner Scottie Scheffler also approved of the proposals, explaining fans will find the PGA Tour's new league structure easier to follow.

"I think we're moving in the right direction for sure," Scheffler said.

"I think what people want is to get the best players playing together more often. I'm not sure if the smaller fields were a huge fan favourite, so getting fields back to 120-man fields, getting a cut back, I think it's a good change.

"The more I think we can simplify it for people, the better. Especially when you're looking at tournaments stretched across an entire season.

"So the simplifying of 'you're going to see the same 120 guys most of the time at the same tournaments across the country throughout our season', I think it's really good. I think it's easier for our fans to follow."

The PGA Tour heads to TPC River Highlands for the Travelers Championship this week, live on Sky Sports. Watch round one from 12.45pm on Thursday on Sky Sports+ Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.