Calls Mount for Jay Monahan To Be Punished Hours After Greg Norman’s Allegations Against PGA Tour Chief

The PGA Tour’s upcoming changes for the 2026 season are sparking heated debates across the golf world. A proposal from the Player Advisory Council, shared with players on Tuesday, includes reducing the number of full PGA Tour cards from 125 to 100, shrinking fields in most events from 156 to 144, and cutting the Korn Ferry Tour cards from 30 to 20. Signature events, like the PLAYERS Championship, may feature as few as 120 players, and Monday qualifiers will also see reductions.

Pretty significant changes announced by the PGA Tour today that, if approved" would go into effect in 2026:

—"Full status" on the PGA Tour would be only top 100 in FedEx, not 125
—"Full-field" event now 144, no more 156
—Players Championship down from 144 players to 120
—Korn…

— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) October 29, 2024

This shift comes amid frustration over delays in the proposed merger with LIV Golf, with LIV’s Greg Norman accusing PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan of complicating negotiations with the Saudi PIF. Adding fuel to the fire, Monahan faces criticism for the Tour’s 20% viewership drop outside of major events and the recent withdrawal of Shriners Children’s Hospital as a long-time sponsor.

Fans and players alike worry that limiting opportunities for emerging players, while focusing on the sport’s elite, could stifle golf’s growth. Many are calling for Monahan’s resignation, fearing these changes may steer professional golf away from its roots, favoring exclusivity over tradition.