Things are changing on the PGA Tour with Brian Rolapp at the helm and the all new Future Competition Committee in place.
Rolapp was handed the PGA Tour reins earlier this year and he has already shown that he is not afraid to make changes.
Not long after being appointed as the new CEO, Rolapp said the PGA Tour will not be overly bound by tradition during his time at the helm.
Rolapp also said he wants to oversee an ‘aggressive meritocracy’ in the future, according to NBC.
And he has already proven that he is a man of his word, with big changes incoming in 2026.
One big change is already in place, with only the top 100 players on the FedEx Cup points list retaining full playing privileges for the 2026 season, down from 125 last year.
But what happens to those players who finish outside the top-100?
PGA Tour rule change for the 2026 season explained
There will be different levels of playing privileges in 2026 for those players who miss out on the top-100.
The first category is for players ranked from 101 to 110.
They will receive greater privileges than those ranked 111-125.
And then there is a new category altogether for the players ranked 126-150.
Before, the rules stated that the top 125 players achieved full exempt status on the PGA Tour, with those ranked 125-150 being handed reduced playing privileges.
There are now different levels, so even if someone does miss out on the top-100, it’s vital for them to secure a place inside the top-110 on the points list.
The PGA Tour is now operating as a true meritocracy and it’s great to see.
How many starts will PGA Tour players ranked 101-110 receive in 2026
Rex Hoggard estimated how many starts players finishing around the 101-110 mark will get on the PGA Tour next season.
When speaking on The Golf Channel Podcast, he said: “There is a confidence level that 101-125 number will at least get something close to what you’re used to seeing for conditional status.
“Keep in mind that’s two separate categories starting next year. So they’re doing it a little bit different. I think it’s 101 to 111 (actually 110) is one category and then 111 to 125 is another category.
“So if you finish 101, you have a pretty good chance of playing 15-20 events and that’s certainly enough to keep your card.“
Those who finish in the 111-125 spots on the FedEx Cup points list after the Fall Series will receive less access to full field events and those ranked from 126-150th in the standing will be handed even fewer starts.
The PGA Tour will operate as a genuine meritocracy under Brian Rolapp’s leadership and while that means many players will be given a chance to make it at the very highest level, there will be plenty who suffer the hardship of not being able to plan their season out properly.
That’s the way things should be, though.
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