Billy Horschel wants controversial change made to the PGA Tour which could anger a lot of players

Billy Horschel, a prominent figure on the PGA Tour, has recently made headlines with his bold suggestions for reforming the tour, especially in light of the growing competition from LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). As the Wyndham Championship approaches—the final PGA Tour event before the season-ending playoffs—Horschel’s comments offer a significant perspective on the state of professional golf and the direction he believes the PGA Tour should take.

 

Horschel, who withdrew from the 3M Open just a week after his impressive tied-second finish at The Open Championship, has been an outspoken advocate for changes within the PGA Tour. Despite facing considerable criticism, particularly following his performance at Royal Troon, Horschel managed to deliver one of his most notable major championship performances, coming tantalizingly close to winning the Claret Jug. His resilience and strong showing have been a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.

 

In a recent conversation with Smylie Kaufman on the Smylie Show, Horschel shared his thoughts on the current dynamics of professional golf, particularly focusing on how the PGA Tour can enhance its appeal and competitiveness. Horschel’s comments reflect his long-standing concerns about the structure of the tour, which he believes needs a fundamental overhaul to maintain its stature and attract the best talent.

 

One of Horschel’s most controversial proposals is the reduction of the number of players holding PGA Tour cards. According to him, the tour’s current setup dilutes the competitive field and diminishes the overall strength of the tour. He suggested that by limiting the number of players with tour cards, the PGA Tour could create a more exclusive and high-caliber environment. Horschel’s rationale is that a smaller, more elite group of players would elevate the standard of competition and make the tour a more robust product.

 

“I’ve been on tour for 15 years now,” Horschel explained, “and before PIF and LIV were ever around, I’ve had many a conversation with people on the PGA Tour, players on the PGA Tour, executives at the PGA Tour, and we’ve needed to make our tour stronger.” He further elaborated that reducing the number of players would not only enhance the tour’s competitiveness but also provide more opportunities for talented players emerging from the Korn Ferry Tour. By narrowing the field, Horschel believes that the tour could offer Korn Ferry Tour players better chances to compete in open events, which would ultimately benefit the sport as a whole.

 

Additionally, Horschel proposed that the PGA Tour should consider scaling back its schedule to make it more defined and focused. A more streamlined schedule could potentially increase the prestige of each event, making them more significant in the eyes of both players and fans. Horschel’s vision is for the PGA Tour to become a more elite and exclusive circuit, which he argues would help it stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

 

Currently, the PGA Tour offers cards to the top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings at the end of each season. However, there are several complexities and loopholes within this system. For instance, players who have won a PGA Tour event within the last two years receive year-long exemptions, allowing them to retain their tour status even if they fall outside the top 125. Additionally, players who rank in the top 50 of all-time earnings on the PGA Tour are also granted continued access to the tour, with Tiger Woods being a prime example of this provision.

 

Moreover, players finishing between 126th and 150th in the FedEx Cup standings are given limited status, which guarantees them participation in specific events throughout the season. This system creates multiple pathways for players to enter tournaments, potentially complicating the tour’s structure.

 

Horschel’s suggestion to overhaul these provisions aligns with his broader vision of making the PGA Tour a more streamlined and competitive environment. By addressing the current loopholes and refining the criteria for tour access, the PGA Tour could potentially create a more consistent and fair system, enhancing the overall quality of competition.

 

In conclusion, Billy Horschel’s proposed changes reflect his deep commitment to improving the PGA Tour and addressing the challenges posed by rival tours. His ideas for reducing the number of tour cards and streamlining the schedule aim to bolster the tour’s exclusivity and competitiveness. As the golf world continues to evolve, Horschel’s suggestions offer a thought-provoking perspective on how the PGA Tour can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.