The PGA Tour plans to formalize a two-track schedule beginning in 2028, dividing events into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories [1, 2, 3]. Tier 1 events will be "signature events" featuring no cuts and purses of US$20 million, aimed at competing with LIV Golf’s star player incentives [1, 2, 3]. Tier 2 events are essentially a secondary circuit with lower status.
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy voiced concern over the impact this structure could have on existing tournaments. Speaking at his June 17 US Open press conference at Shinnecock Hills, McIlroy said, "An event like last week, the Canadian Open, potentially going to one of these track 2s. Track 2 is a glorified Korn Ferry event. That’s what track 2 is going to be. So I don’t think the Canadian Open should be one of those" [1]. The Canadian Open, a tournament McIlroy has won twice, was skipped by him this year to focus on U.S. Open preparation [1, 2, 3].
McIlroy added, "Yeah, I just think there’s going to be certain events that might lose their stature if a sponsor doesn’t pony up US$30 million. So that’s the tough thing" [2]. The US$30 million figure relates to the sponsor commitments required to maintain tournament status under the new format [1, 2, 3].
It remains undecided whether Tier 1 players will be allowed to compete in Tier 2 events [1, 2, 3]. McIlroy himself is not involved in the current schedule decisions, having stepped down from the PGA Tour Policy Board and Future Competition committee. He described himself as a "part-timer" selecting fewer PGA and DP World Tour events each year, saying, "I’m not in those rooms. I don’t know. I play my schedule, and I’ll continue to play my schedule, which is getting less and less as the years go on" [3].
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is expected to release more details about the two-track schedule at the Travelers Championship media event next week [1, 2, 3].