GOLF.AI • Dec 14, 2025

Tour Overhaul Puts Events on Notice

The PGA Tour is on the verge of a radical schedule overhaul, a top-down revolution driven by new CEO Brian Rolapp and a Tiger Woods-headed "Future Competition Committee." The new leadership recently held a private meeting with the entire field at the Hero World Challenge to lay out a vision for a more compelling and condensed season, potentially starting after the Super Bowl.

The core rationale behind the shift is that "less is more." The belief is that a shorter season will lead to stronger fields, higher stakes for each event, increased viewership, and less fan burnout. This strategic pivot is a clear counter-punch to the challenge posed by LIV Golf and an admission that the old model of a nearly year-round season may no longer be viable.

This fundamental re-imagining of the PGA Tour product places several historic "West Coast Swing" events in jeopardy. The first to have its future publicly questioned is The American Express, formerly the iconic Bob Hope Desert Classic. With a rich history that includes champions like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, its potential demise would be a significant blow to tradition. Other tournaments, including the Hawaii events and the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, could also be at risk as the Tour looks to reshape its future.