The PGA Tour policy board has approved significant eligibility changes that will impact the number of players holding tour cards starting in 2026. This decision marks the first reduction in jobs since the tour became all-exempt in 1983. Under the new rules, only the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings will be guaranteed full status for the following year.
The changes were proposed by the 16-member Player Advisory Council to ensure that all players who earn a full PGA Tour card have a fair opportunity to compete in enough tournaments to retain their cards. The board also approved smaller field sizes, limiting tournaments to a maximum of 144 players on courses with ample daylight hours.
