Let the “Cinderella stories” be alive. Words from Arnold Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, capture the essence of his concerns about the PGA Tour and Jay Monahan‘s recent changes. “It genuinely kills us. But you know what kills us more? Only having 70 players to pick from,” he said. In recent comments, Saunders addressed the controversy surrounding Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler‘s omission from the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, calling the decision “devastating.” But, Saunders emphasized that the root issue lies in the limited pool of players to choose from, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and diverse field.

This concern is part of a larger discussion Saunders has been having about the state of professional golf, but his top worry right now is preserving young talent on the tour.  In the latest YouTube episode by the Golf Channel, golf legend Arnold Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, shared his heartfelt thoughts on the current state of professional golf. Saunders, who has played on the PGA Tour and has been involved in various golf tournaments, emphasized the importance of preserving the “Cinderella stories” that make golf so special. He warned that the PGA Tour’s efforts to adapt to the ever-changing golf landscape should not come at the cost of destroying these inspirational stories.

Saunders reflected on his own experiences, saying, “I grew up dreaming to play on the PGA Tour. I was lucky enough to make it there and play for 5 years… I will always be a fan of the PGA Tour. That’s where we want to see guys compete.” He highlighted the significance of the PGA Tour as a platform for golfers to make a name for themselves and leave a lasting impact on the game.

Saunders also stressed the importance of accessibility and opportunities for new stars to rise, saying, “You want to see new stars rise… You just never know when that next superstar is going to arise, and everybody in the world of sports loves Cinderella stories.” Sam Saunders isn’t entirely off base in his concerns about the PGA Tour’s future, given the Tour’s recent missteps in handling the evolution of the sport.

The PGA Tour is being accused of overlooking young talent

The PGA Tour’s recent decision to eliminate Monday qualifiers from seven events has sparked outrage among golf enthusiasts and players alike. This move, set to take effect in 2026, will significantly reduce opportunities for lesser-known golfers to make a name for themselves. The affected events include the Sony Open, WM Phoenix Open, Valspar Championship, Texas Children’s Houston Open, and Valero Texas Open, which will see reduced field sizes. Kevin Streelman, a PGA Tour player, expressed his opposition to the decision, emphasizing the importance of making the game appealing to fans and sponsors.

The backlash has been intense, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. A post from Monday Q Info highlighted the harsh realities of this decision, pointing out that talented players like 16-year-old Miles Russell may now have to explore alternative routes to qualify. Fans have also slammed the PGA Tour for overlooking young talent and limiting opportunities for newcomers to break into the sport. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!