{
  "id": 3344271,
  "title": "Rory McIlroy Backs ‘Big Swing’ Tour Championship Overhaul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/rory-mcilroy-backs-big-swing-tour-championship-overhaul",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T19:27:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/pga-tour-championship-format-support/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Atlanta, PGA Tour players are largely favorable towards the revamped Tour Championship format set to debut in 2028. Rory McIlroy, speaking after its announcement, expressed enthusiasm for the new structure. Nearly $100 million in bonus money has been distributed this season, culminating in the $40 million purse available at this week's Tour Championship. The revamped event will feature 30 players competing for the title and a $10 million reward, alongside season-long bonus payouts after the final regular-season event. McIlroy believes the regular-season champion will be adequately rewarded after the final stroke-play event. The first week will include eight groups of four players, each facing three head-to-head matches. The top two players from each group advance to the final week for a single-elimination bracket. Alex Fitzpatrick, a PGA Tour rookie, appreciates the World Cup-style group stage. Wyndham Clark likened the two-week format to a major tennis tournament. Si Woo Kim has always enjoyed match play, finding the new format more engaging than the traditional 72-hole stroke play. The rotation of two different courses annually, away from East Lake Golf Club's longstanding host role, aims to bring golf to lesser-known venues, potentially enhancing the overall experience.",
  "summary": "The changes will come in the 2028 season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}