PGA Tour Signature Occasions have been a pertinent subject not too long ago, given that every one 50 gamers who qualify for this week’s BMW Championship additionally acquire entry into every Signature Occasion subsequent season.
These eight tournaments characteristic restricted fields and elevated purses. Further FedEx Cup factors are additionally out there. However they serve a fair higher objective: to make sure that all the highest gamers on the PGA Tour compete side-by-side at a few of the most iconic, non-major venues, similar to Riviera, Bay Hill, and Muirfield Village. The rise of LIV Golf led the tour to determine its Signature Occasion mannequin one 12 months in the past, hoping to maintain its gamers completely satisfied whereas creating a greater product for on-site followers and people watching from house. It debuted throughout the 2024 season, which ends subsequent week in Atlanta on the Tour Championship.
Therefore, a reporter requested Patrick Cantlay, who serves on the PGA Tour Coverage Board, to mirror on these Signature Occasions forward of the BMW Championship.
“I really feel like they’ve gone rather well,” Cantlay mentioned.
“I’ve talked to a variety of the blokes, they usually really feel just like the occasions are a few of the finest they’ve performed of their time on the PGA Tour. I really feel just like the sponsors have been proud of it. The golf programs have been in nice form. I feel they’ve gone rather well.”
Cantlay additionally gave the Signature Occasions an “A” grade. Nonetheless, there’s at all times room for enchancment, and the PGA Tour has already established two changes for Signature Occasions in 2025.
First, the sphere dimension will broaden from 70 to 72 gamers, permitting a few extra gamers to achieve entry into the largest occasions of the season. Some tournaments will make the most of alternate lists to find out these fields, too. These will probably be predicated on the Aon Subsequent 10, which helps decide who performs in every Signature Occasion primarily based on who has performed effectively as much as that time. The opposite adjustment includes Tiger Woods, who can play in no matter Signature Occasion he needs.
But, Cantlay and the board will proceed to investigate its construction as time passes.
“I feel it’s one thing we should always at all times be taking a look at,” Cantlay added.
“However I feel it’s a must to give it a while. We made some vital adjustments within the final 12 months or two, so analyzing this 12 months as a result of it has been a big change and seeing what the consequences are. I do know we’re doing that on the [Player Advisory Council] and board degree.”
The eight Signature Occasions for subsequent 12 months will stay the identical as this 12 months’s, with the primary being The Sentry at Kapalua in early January.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. Remember to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.