PGA Tour set to unveil new playoff format with two-week, match-play finale

The PGA Tour is set to announce a groundbreaking change to its postseason structure starting in 2028, according to initial reports from the Sports Business Journal. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp will unveil the new format at East Lake Golf Club just before the Tour Championship this week.

This revamped playoff system will span three weeks at various rotating venues, concluding with a two-week match-play finale. Currently, the FedExCup Playoffs unfold in a similar three-week timeline with 90, 50, and finally 30-player fields competing in traditional stroke play to crown the FedExCup champion.

Under the new structure, the top 90 players in season-long points will qualify for the inaugural Championship Series Finale, retaining the same stroke play format. Crucially, points accumulated during the season won't be reset, with the top 32 players advancing to the revamped Tour Championship. This new event will emphasize match play, resembling the knockout structure seen in international soccer's World Cup.

The initial week of the Tour Championship will involve group play with eight foursomes, and the top two performers from each group will progress to the second week. This second week will see a change to a knockout bracket format. While specifics on player seeding remain unclear, it's likely there will be a consolation bracket to determine final playoff standings based on win-loss records.

Potential host locations for these events include Los Angeles Country Club, Interlachen Country Club in Minnesota, and Sleepy Hollow Country Club in New York. Further details are expected to emerge following Rolapp's announcement.