As the PGA Tour prepares for major shakeups in 2026, one prominent voice has spoken out strongly against the proposed changes: two-time major champion Pádraig Harrington.
Reducing Fields And Memberships
The PGA Tour’s planned adjustments will see field sizes reduced and tour membership cut from 125 to 100 players. Harrington did not mince words in his assessment, telling Golf Channel, “Terrible. Just terrible. It really is. I can’t even begin to comprehend the severity of the situation.
The Irishman argued that the tour was “running just fine” and questioned the motivation behind the changes, stating bluntly: “At the end of the day, the people on the inside are voting to keep the thing tighter and more closed.”
Under the new proposals, most regular events will see field sizes drop from 156 to 144 players, with some events prior to the Masters reduced even further to 120 or 132. Although the PGA Tour attributed these changes to slow play, Harrington remained unconvinced.
Slow Play And Monday Qualifiers
“Slow play is like driving in rush hour traffic. There are just too many people on the golf course, and the tee times are too tight. “Yes, this is a way to solve one of the big issues in golf, the pace of play, but you want to give everybody the opportunity,” the 53-year-old argued.
Harrington was particularly critical of the plan to reduce Monday qualifiers from four to two spots per event, calling it “one of the most exciting things on the tour.” He believes this change, along with the reduction in full-field events, will primarily hurt up-and-coming players and journeymen pros.
“If this was like the Premier League or the Championship, and there was a really, really good second tour, maybe the European Tour can be that. Maybe it works out. But to me, it definitely looks like the people on the inside are keeping it tighter,” Harrington said.
No-Cut Events And Sponsor Interests
Another controversial aspect of the proposed changes is an increase in no-cut events, which Harrington sees as catering more to sponsors than fans and players. One of the most exciting aspects of the tour is the cut line. It’s a horrible thing. Cutting your exemption to 100 players. But I know that no-cut fields suit the sponsors. They want the leading names guaranteed to be there on the weekends,” he explained.
A Veteran’s Perspective
Harrington’s outspoken criticism of the PGA Tour’s plans underscores his deep passion for the future of professional golf. As a veteran player who has won 31 titles worldwide, including three major championships, he brings a unique perspective to this debate.
“I am overwhelmed by the severity of the situation.” Harrington responded sarcastically, expressing his strong resistance to the suggested modifications. With the PGA Tour’s Policy Board set to vote on these changes on November 18th, Harrington’s voice is sure to be part of an ongoing and heated discussion about the future direction of the sport’s premier tour.
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