“Insane” – PGA Tour pro Tommy Gainey voice concern over circuit’s latest proposals
The PGA Tour is set to undergo a major revamp ahead of the 2026 season. On Tuesday, the governing body unveiled proposals, including reducing the field sizes of some tournaments. The organization is also planning to reduce Monday qualifiers, lessen the number of Korn Ferry Tour graduates earning Tour cards, and cut the Tour's exempt status from the top 125 to the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings.
Notably, some players have raised concerns regarding the proposed moves and Tommy Gainey is one of them. The 49-year-old golfer, active on the PGA Tour with his past champion status, openly criticized the move. He described the move as “insane” and claimed that the officials were “not looking at the big picture.”
The 2012 McGladrey Classic winner implied that the move, once implemented, will ‘eliminate jobs’ as it cuts short the circuit’s field and limits entry for players from the Korn Ferry Tour.
Tommy Gainey wrote on X:
“I think they’re not looking at big picture. Golf has never been this good and this deep. To think they’re eliminating jobs is the right move is insane just my opinion.”
It is pertinent to note that Gainey currently sits 217th in the FedEx Cup Fall Standings. The Darlington native is far from the position to earn a fully exempt PGA Tour status. The new moves will only add to the distance between Korn Ferry Tour regular players like him and the traditional circuit.
PGA Tour plans to reduce tour cards
As per the new proposed moves, the PGA Tour is set to prioritize the top names of the game by cutting the circuit roster short. The PGA Tour Player Advisory Council sent a 23-page document to players on Tuesday which details the plan to limit the size of the tour.
According to the memo, attained by The Athletic, Tour ‘cards’ will only be available to the FedExCup’s top 100 instead of the top 125. The plans also outline the reduction of the field size of events from 156 to 144 players.
Notably, events prior to daylight savings are set to be capped at 120, while events after daylight savings to 132. As per reports, this is being done to avoid rounds being suspended due to darkness, which has been a common scenario.
Additionally, the proposed plan also limits sponsor exemptions. As per the memo, the fields will accept a more merit-based system by reallocating spots on full-field events based on the priority ranking.
It is pertinent to note that the PGA’s proposed moves have received some flak from fans and several players. The plans will be put to a vote at a PGA Tour Policy Board meeting on 18 November and will be implemented or scrapped on its basis. If voted through, the changes will come into effect from the start of the 2026 season.