How Tiger Woods (and these 9 other pros) already qualified for 'new' PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is implementing stricter eligibility rules for players, even affecting golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The new system, set to launch in 2028, will create two tiers: the Championship Series for top performers and the Challenger Series for those who don't make the cut. Qualifying for the top tier will be based solely on merit, not on legacy achievements or professional golf's previous system.

This move applies to Woods, who currently has a lifetime exemption to compete in elite Signature events, but it expires after the 2027 season. Woods has two options to re-enter the main circuit: either compete in the Signature events or gain a one-time pass based on his position on the career money list, which would likely require a medical waiver and a minimum number of events played in the preceding season.

McIlroy, who has faced criticism for his limited participation in the PGA Tour, now faces a uniform point distribution across all tournaments, starting in 2028. This change aims to reduce the prestige gap between regular events and major championships and promote regular excellence over occasional brilliance. While this may deter some top players from focusing on the PGA Tour, it is seen as necessary for the Tour to move towards a more meritocratic era.

However, the new rules could also pose challenges for returning players from the LIV Golf League, such as McIlroy and Jon Rahm, who will need to establish themselves in the American market to secure their place in the prestigious Championship Series.