PGA Tour attempts to combat European Tour changes

The PGA issued a new requirement for each player to compete in an event he has not previously played in the past four years, starting in the 2016-17 season.

PGA Tour attempts to combat European Tour changes

The PGA issued a new requirement for each player to compete in an event he has not previously played in the past four years, according to the Golf Channel. The PGA Tour Policy Board approved the rule at their final meeting on 22 November. It will start to be implemented during the upcoming 2016-17 season.

If players do not add new events to their schedule, they will be hit with a harsh penalty. They are given a fine that could exceed $20,000 and are threatened with suspension.

Players who participate in 25 or more official money events during the current or previous season are exempt from the new regulation.

Major championships and limited-field tournaments, such as The Players and the FedEx Cup playoffs, are not included in the new policy.

The requirement is put in place to try and strengthen the fields of events that normally do not get the attention of the Tour’s biggest stars. Many events suffer in the fall and spring because the best players are competing overseas.

The new PGA requirement will help fields that get diluted and that lose excitement. They’re making efforts to help out sponsors and smaller tournaments on the PGA Tour.