PGA Tour told they may have let next Scottie Scheffler ‘slip through the crack’ after official decision made

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The PGA Tour policy board has officially approved a string of proposed changes which could massively impact the professional game on US soil.

Field changes will be adjusted in 2026, and the FedEx Cup points system will be altered in 2025. Furthermore, fewer full tour cards will be available, with 125 being cut to 100.

Brandel Chamblee has slammed the ‘sad’ PGA Tour changes, and former US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick has claimed the decision won’t prevent slow play on the PGA Tour. Rumours had emerged suggesting that the decision to reduce field sizes would help speed up proceedings, a stance which has faced intense backlash from several pros.

Golf Channel pundit Rex Hoggard has since reacted to the news and has suggested the changes could see the ‘next Scottie Scheffler or Xander Schauffele‘ slip through the net, with the tour set to be more exclusive.

PGA Tour could miss next Scottie Scheffler

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Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Hoggard says the approved changes prevent some of the young stars from reaching their potential.

“I think where you are going to see it is down the road. Five years ago, we were sitting at this table, and you might or may not have thrown out the name of Scottie Scheffler as the off-the-radar type because no one saw that coming. The tour provided those pathways for Scottie Scheffler and other young stars to do it,” Hoggard explained.

“I think the concern here among players and observers is, is this being too closed of a shop, and whoever the next Scottie Scheffler or Xander Schauffele is, they slip through the crack somehow because you’re contracting the number of players that have a way to do this.”

PGA Tour changes detailed

The finer details of the approved changes certainly make for pretty grim reading for some of the up-and-coming players.

The Korn Ferry Tour, which was Scheffler’s pathway onto the PGA Tour, will see its number of cards cut from 30 to 20. Ten prospects who would usually be full-time tour members will now miss out.

Furthermore, the Monday qualifiers have been reduced to 144-player events and 132-player events. At 120-player events, no Monday qualifiers will be in the field.

Unfortunately, it appears the PGA Tour’s decision has further strengthened the stance of the elite players and somewhat forgotten about the younger stars who will ultimately be the future of the game.