PGA TOUR’s Massive 2028 Shakeup: Two Tier System Explained

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme react to the PGA TOUR’s newly announced 2028 competitive structure, including the Championship Series, Challenger Series, promotion and relegation, minimum purse changes, no sponsor exemptions in top-tier events, and a revamped fall “last chance” series.

The guys break down what this means for players, sponsors, fans, Korn Ferry Tour graduates, DP World Tour pathways, and the future of the FedExCup Playoffs — including the possibility of a rotating, match-play Tour Championship at some of golf’s most iconic venues.

CHAPTERS
00:00:57 — PGA TOUR’s 2028 shakeup
00:02:23 — Smylie’s first reaction to Brian Rolapp’s plan
00:04:52 — Why the two-tier model makes sense
00:07:08 — What it means for players and purses
00:13:26 — Can stars still play hometown events?
00:15:17 — Midseason promotion and smaller fields
00:18:18 — Why schedule clarity matters
00:24:19 — Is this better for mid-tier PGA TOUR players?
00:28:36 — No sponsor exemptions in Championship Series
00:31:39 — “Last chance” fall series explained
00:38:40 — Match play and the future playoffs
00:42:58 — Pine Valley, Cypress Point, Seminole rumors
00:49:23 — Could elite private clubs actually host?
00:53:18 — Why match play can work anywhere
00:55:36 — Why 2027 suddenly matters more