Shane Lowry has given the changes to the PGA Tour his backing, but admitted that he does have a worry about the Challenger Series.
Brian Rolapp confirmed this week what has been mooted for some time. The PGA Tour is set to be split into two tiers from 2028, with the Championship Series season set to essentially consist of signature events and the majors.
What do you make of the planned changes to the PGA Tour?
What do you like? What concerns you about the changes?
It is designed to ensure that the best players face off more often. Much was made of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler not playing in the same signature event between the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Memorial.
The introduction of promotion and relegation looks to be the most intriguing move from the PGA Tour. It is certainly set to make the end of each season much more interesting.
Shane Lowry reacts to the changes set to be made on the PGA Tour
Those on the Challenger Series will be targeting earning a seat at the game’s top table. But there are some concerns about how the PGA Tour is going to be able to make fans care about the second tier.
Speaking on Fried Egg Golf, Shane Lowry issued his verdict on the changes that are set to be made.
“Obviously we’ve heard rumours over the last while. We almost knew what was going to happen, but obviously, when you hear the announcement, it makes it real. I like that the big events are going to 120 players, I think that’s how it should have always been,” he said.
“I think there should be a cut in golf. I think it’s a part of our game. When you’re going down the back nine on a Friday afternoon on the cut mark, it’s a lot different than when there’s no cut and you play different golf. Even go back to Memorial a couple of weeks ago and you see Rory giving JT a hug on 18th green on Friday evening when he holed that putt to make the cut. Sometimes you feel great about making the cut, and I feel like that’s a big part of our game. I’m happy to see that back.
“I suppose 130 players or something are going to have their cards, and they’re going to get access to the big events, so that’s pretty good.
“I do worry about the smaller events obviously, and I worry about the tier two events, what they’re actually going to look like and who’s going to be in those fields, what’s it going to be like. So I don’t really know to be honest. If you’re in all the big events and you’re in that part of the tour, I think it’s amazing. If you’re not, I think it’s going to be quite tough.
“I feel like the PGA Tour have had a few years of chopping and changing, trying to figure out what the right thing is to do. I think this will be good going forward. I think this will create more big tournaments, the big players and the same players playing the same events, and maybe will create some sort of rivalries. It’s interesting.”
Lowry is not alone in expressing some concerns about the Challenger Series
Those at Ponte Vedra will have surely known that the Challenger Series was always going to be more difficult to sell to sponsors.
If 130 players are on the Championship Series, it is highly unlikely that there will be any notable names on the second tier in the eyes of a much more casual golf fan.
And the PGA Tour decision-makers would be wise to listen to the concerns of some high-profile members. Lowry is not alone in expressing some doubt.
Brian Rolapp had to respond to Rory McIlroy saying track two tournaments will be glorified Korn Ferry Tour events ahead of the Canadian Open.
The Championship Series should be successful enough on its own. But the PGA Tour needs to find a way to make fans really care about the Challenger Series as soon as possible.
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