The PGA Tour will likely adjust the player participation requirement for its Player Impact Program.
Just a few months back, Commissioner Jay Monahan stated that players could be eligible for $100-million bonus money if they participated in 13 of the elevated events and three additional of their choice during the next season.
Jon Rahm was one of those players who expressed surprise at the sheer number of events they would need to participate in over a 34-week period.
Rahm stated that “I wouldn’t be surprised if this changes” during the Tour Championship. He noted that it would be difficult for players to maintain dual membership on DP World Tour, particularly during a Ryder Cup season. It’s a big ask. I would not be surprised if they changed a few rules or made an exception for certain players. They might have to do this for Rory and me, but they may not be able to do it all.
Speaking at the CJ Cup, South Carolina, Jordan Spieth noted that it would prove more difficult to balance playing in Texas events he loves and supporting (AT&T Byron Nelson, Charles Schwab Challenge), and competing in higher events in May (Wells Fargo Championships, PGA Championship and Memorial).
He said, “It looks like five consecutive times where I go into Jack’s event (The Memorial), on Tuesday night or some such.”
Rahm, Spieth, and other players may be eligible for the “get out of prison free” card. A memo was sent to players last week stating that players can miss one high-profile event “for personal or professional reasons only” while still being eligible for PIP bonuses. Another change is that a fall event such as the CJ Cup, which attracted a strong field, could count towards one of the three optional start.
The Tour last month announced that the WM Open and RBC Heritage, Wells Fargo Championship, Wells Fargo Championship, and Travelers Championship will be elevated to this season. They join the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Players Championship, WGC–Dell Match Play and three invitationals – Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational – and three FedEx Cup Playoff events FedEx St. Jude Championship BMW Championship and Tour Championship.
The document states that “the penalty for failing to satisfy all elements of the mandatory participant requirement is limited at the bonus distribution for Player Impact Program.”
The PGA Tour’s next board meeting will be held on November 14, at Sea Island, Georgia. This is ahead of the RSM Classic.
The Associated Press first reported the memo, dated October 25, 2005.
