2026 is likely to be the last year of the PGA Tour as we know it.
Harris English recently revealed that CEO Brian Rolapp and the PGA Tour were planning drastic changes to the season schedule. Reports said the 2027 season will start after the Super Bowl and that a number of events will be removed, including many from the West Coast Swing.
The tour plans to play the season across around 20 events, all of equal value, rather than the current format, which involves playing a number of elevated Signature Events throughout the year.
This could see the end of Torrey Pines as a PGA Tour venue, and of PGA West, where the tour is playing this week for the American Express. Min Woo Lee shared his thoughts on the potential that PGA West, a course that he enjoys playing, might not be on the tour next year.
Min Woo Lee explains why he hopes PGA West is on the PGA Tour next season
Not everyone is a fan of PGA West. It’s a bit of a birdie fest, and despite recent renovations to the course making it slightly more difficult, there really isn’t much punishment out there for PGA Tour players.
Jon Rahm was once publicly critical of the course, as the two-time major winner said it was far too easy for players of his calibre. But Lee appreciates the change of pace, and the chance to play at an easier venue.
When asked if he wants to see the course on the tour next season, Lee said, “I don’t know too much about that. I just try to play golf. I love this tournament. It’s a great place to start the year.
“Great courses and lots of fun, and make some birdies. So it is nice to have in the schedule, because the Signature Events are very hard and major-like, so it is nice to be able to hit it in the rough and actually hit it on the green.
“So I would love it to be in the schedule, and I would love it to, yeah, just be there next year and years coming.”
After day one of the American Express, it’s clear to see why Lee wants this course to stay.
How Min Woo Lee played on day one of the American Express
Of course, Lee wants PGA West to remain on the tour schedule, as he is leading the American Express through the first round of the tournament.
The Australian shot 10-under par for his opening round, going bogey-free through 18 holes. Lee got off to a lightning start, shooting five under through seven, then finished strong with three birdies in the final four holes to snatch the lead.
He’ll be looking over his shoulder for the remainder of the event, however, as some of the biggest stars in the sport are already breathing down his neck.
Scottie Scheffler went nine-under in his first PGA Tour round of 2026, as did Robert MacIntyre, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay, and Jason Day. All are just one stroke behind Lee.
This is a stacked field, so Lee has his work cut out if he wants to secure his second-ever win on the PGA Tour.
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