PGA Tour: Changes to play-off structure for 2028 a 'big swing' says Rory McIlroy - BBC Sport
BBC Homepage
Skip to content Accessibility Help
- Home
- News
- Sport
- ... (other sections)
Golf
Leaderboards
Calendar
PGA Tour play-off shake-up a 'big swing' - McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, a three-time FedEx Cup winner, believes the PGA Tour's decision to introduce matchplay into their end-of-season play-offs is a response to fan demands. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp announced that from 2028, the Tour Championship will be a two-week event at two different courses, featuring a head-to-head format.
"I think the PGA Tour and the Future Competition Committee... have really taken on board what the fans have been calling for and have wanted, which is matchplay," said McIlroy.
The FedEx Cup play-offs have evolved over two decades, currently consisting of a three-event strokeplay series. This year's Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta offers a $40m (£29.3m) purse. While lucrative for players, there have been questions regarding fan engagement.
McIlroy continued:
"I think they've been great for players... I think what the Tour are really trying to do is listen to the fans and what they want... this idea of matchplay over two weeks is something that came mostly from what the people that watch golf wanted."
The changes are part of a broader shift on the PGA Tour in 2028, including a Championship and Challenger series with promotion and relegation. McIlroy also suggested more PGA Tour stars could play on the DP World Tour as part of a regular season that will run from February to August.