DUBLIN, Ohio – In a sport where tradition sometimes clashes with progress, the PGA Tour has managed a rare consensus among players with its revamp of the Tour Championship format.
This August at East Lake in Atlanta, the Tour scraps its starting-strokes system, opting instead for a classic 72-hole stroke play where everyone tees off at even par. Launched in 2019, the old format sparked debate due to its attempt to reward season-long performance while preserving the unpredictability of a playoff. It handed the top-ranked player a 10-stroke advantage and scaled down to even par for the 30th-ranked competitor.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been a vocal opponent of the staggered start, previously labelling it "silly." During the Memorial this week, his satisfaction was palpable. "A true test over 72 holes on a great course crowns the best winner," Scheffler said. He believes making East Lake an attainable goal will mean celebrating a full season’s brilliance and earnestly competing for both the Tour Championship and the coveted FedExCup.
Interestingly, Scheffler's criticism holds more weight because he benefited from the old system last year, winning both the Tour Championship and a $25 million FedExCup bonus, despite not firing the low score overall. Under the new setup, players like Collin Morikawa, who posted last year’s best score but finished runner-up, could get their just deserts.
Former advocate Justin Thomas embraced the changes, emphasizing the revamped format's potential to restore competition and excitement for players and fans alike. "It feels right when anybody at the Tour Championship can legitimately win the FedExCup," Thomas remarked.
Tuesay's announcement hints at even more future changes. The Player Advisory Council is keener than ever to amplify the entire FedExCup's stakes and affirm the Tour Championship’s prestigious entry barrier. With commissioner Jay Monahan's openness towards evolving the event beyond its 30-player tradition, the future of East Lake remains fluid.
Lucas Glover also insists that while rewarding season successes is non-negotiable, a shift in the bonus structure is due, aligning more with the traditional value of a season-long grind versus playoff intensity. "That’s how it should be. We need to recognize timeless efforts over mere climactic thrills," Glover asserted.
Still, the journey to refine the Tour Championship continues. As players, and perhaps the broader golf world, stay tuned, it’s clear the Tour is committed to crafting the best showcase of talent and competition.
