Following Rory McIlroy’s controversial call for a “cutthroat” and more exclusive PGA Tour, the policy makers have made a drastic move.

With the Northern Irish star advocating for a smaller player field during the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it seems his views have resonated with the powers that be. Speaking from Bay Hill, McIlroy didn’t hold back: “I’m all for making it [the tour] more cutthroat, more competitive. Probably won’t be very popular for saying this, but I’m all for less players and less Tour cards, and the best of the best.”

This Monday brought a major shake-up as officials announced dramatic alterations echoing McIlroy’s sentiments. The tour is set to tighten its ranks, granting fewer players the security of tour cards and pushing for a more elite competition circuit.

PGA has given the green light to these revisions which will come into force in the 2026 season, reducing the fully exempt status group from 125 to 100. The official statement highlighted: “The PGA Tour Policy Board today approved competitive changes supported by the Player Advisory Council (PAC) that will deliver a stronger and more competitive and entertaining PGA Tour to fans, players, tournaments and partners.”

Joining the PGA Tour has become more challenging as changes have been implemented — a key alteration being the reduction of qualifying spots from the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental circuit for aspiring PGA players, from 30 to 20. Furthermore, McIlroy’s proposal for smaller tournament fields is coming to fruition.

Prestigious events like the Players Championship will cap at 120 competitors and most events will experience a reduction of 12 players starting in 2026. Adjustments to FedEx Cup points distribution have been made as well.

Europe's Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning his singles match against United States' Sam Burns 3&1 on the 17th green at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

McIlroy recently called for smaller player fields at events to make the Tour ‘more cutthroat’ ( 

Image:

AP)

Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour’s chief competitions officer, expressed support for the smaller field sizes. “These field size adjustments, which also promote a better flow of play, improve the chances of rounds being completed each day with a greater ability to make the 36-hole cut on schedule under normal weather conditions,” he said.

“For our fans, this certainty sets up weekend storylines much more effectively and will make the PGA Tour easier and more enjoyable to follow.”