The PGA Tour announced that beginning in 2028, the Tour Championship will be played over two weeks at different venues using a matchplay format. The first week will include a group stage of 32 golfers divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout bracket in the second week held at a separate course [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

This marks a departure from the current three-event strokeplay series involving the top 70 players from the season-long points list. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp revealed the new format in August 2026. He said the format was designed to bring matchplay, a fan favorite, to the season finale and allow the use of historic venues not typically suitable for standard PGA Tour scoring setups [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

World number two and three-time FedEx Cup winner Rory McIlroy praised the format change. Speaking at East Lake Golf Club on August 25, 2026, he said, "I think the PGA Tour and the Future Competition Committee and Brian and everyone involved have really taken on board what the fans have been calling for and have wanted, which is matchplay" [1, 2, 3, 4]. McIlroy called the shift "a big swing" but said he liked the concept, noting it involved "two weeks, two different venues." He added he appreciated being kept in the loop and said he is informally advising the PGA Tour on DP World Tour matters too [3, 5].

McIlroy hopes the new schedule will encourage more star players to compete on the DP World Tour after the PGA season ends in August. "I think if the PGA Tour are going to play from February through to August, DP World Tour have five months where, with the help of the PGA Tour..." he said [2]. His only concern is whether players will remain motivated in second-week matches for positioning in the loser's bracket [5].

Alongside the Tour Championship changes, the PGA Tour will introduce a Championship and Challenger series with promotion and relegation starting in 2028. The 2026 Tour Championship at East Lake will carry a $40 million purse [1].

The new 15-event PGA Tour regular season will run from February through August before the expanded Tour Championship in late season. [1]