As the PGA Tour continue to evolve, some big changes are expected to be implemented in the 2026 season.
The PGA Tour continues to go from strength to strength, in spite of the recent emergence of LIV Golf.
And in an effort to remain at the top of the tree, new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is expected to oversee some changes.
The main priority for Rolapp will be to oversee a merger with LIV Golf, one that is obviously beneficial for both parties.
It is believed that the PGA Tour chief is currently deep in negotiations with LIV officials about a potential deal.
Aside from that ongoing situation, there will be some fresh changes for the 2026 season it seems.
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In a move that will most likely be universally praised, the PGA Tour are set to allow the use of rangefinders from the start of the 2026 season.
However, another planned change for next year has really divided opinion amongst the players and fans.
One player in particular is really not a fan of the new initiative one little bit.
Lucas Glover complains about PGA Tour’s rule change for 2026
Glover has never been someone who shirks responsibility when it comes to speaking up for his fellow tour pros.
Two weeks ago, Glover spoke to the PGA Tour’s CEO Brian Rolapp about the need for him to speak to every member of the tour, rather than just the big stars.
The 45-year-old American never backs down from what some may perceive to be awkward conversations.
And his response to one of the PGA Tour’s proposed changes for 2026 was very much on brand.
The tour are set to grant only 100 players fully exempt status on the tour next season, down from 125.
And the full-field events will be reduced from 156 players to 144, all under the guise of improving the pace of play.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images
“I think everybody should have a voice, and I think everybody should be taken into account when decisions are made, and limiting access is not a way to grow the talent coming into the PGA Tour in my opinion.
“Making fields smaller doesn’t increase competition, that’s impossible, it doesn’t make sense. We’re the only sports organisation that are saying that less players means more competition, that’s been my soapbox. Every other sport has widened their fields, broadened their play-offs, more teams, expanding, and we’re using pace of play as a crutch to say we need less players, and I don’t agree with that.
“That’s shortsighted, and honestly not the right way to go about it. We’re trying to grow the game and create opportunities for young players to be the next superstars and for consistent older players to have a place to play. To limit that is not the way to do that in my opinion.“
You’ve got to love Glover for his uncompromising approach to something that he feels is an injustice.
The 2009 US Open champion is standing up for the hundreds of golfers trying to make a living on the PGA Tour who are not superstars. He’s giving them a voice, and for that he should be applauded.
Rickie Fowler disagrees with Lucas Glover on new PGA Tour rule
Before the John Deere Classic started this week, Rickie Fowler spoke to the media at TPC Deere Run.
And Fowler responded when asked about the PGA Tour’s plans to change the field sizes and the fully exempt status category next season.
“So some unknowns at this point, but I think going to 100 I think is the step in the right direction. We all want PGA TOUR to be the most elite tour there is out here, the best product.
“Not saying that just the 100 is how we get there, but with guys getting, you know, maybe fewer and fewer starts towards the back end of what cards are available, guys earning cards, whether it’s Q-School, through Korn Ferry, I feel like their first year is almost like a tryout.
“You get a handful of starts and you better play good when you do; versus when you earn a card to feel like you actually have one. I think like that may be potentially where the TOUR might be heading. Ultimately be less cards; possibly less events.
“To me, I think I mentioned it last week, but to me, I believe as far as the PGA TOUR and the product and being that elite, I don’t personally like being in secondary or opposite field events. That’s just me personally. I’m not saying they should or shouldn’t be around.
“For what I believe the PGA TOUR is, that’s kind of where I’m at.“
So Fowler is on the other side of the street from Glover when it comes to his opinion on the PGA Tour’s proposed change to field sizes and exempt status.
Glover is speaking up for ‘the people’ so to speak, whilst Fowler wants the PGA Tour to take a more elitist approach because after all, it is the best and most prestigious tour in the world.
Both arguments have their merits, but it’s clear to see which side of the coin the PGA Tour are currently on.
