Jay Monahan & the PGA Tour’s experimentation efforts just took a new turn. And this time, fans are definitely not pleased…

However, before understanding the crux of the matter, let’s backtrack a little. In November last year, the PGA Tour had approved “competitive changes supported by the Player Advisory Council that will deliver a stronger and more competitive and entertaining PGA Tour to fans, players, tournaments and partners”. What it means? Well, the organization will be limiting the field size to improve the pace of play. 

“Today’s announced changes build on the competitive and schedule enhancements incorporated over the last six years in seeking the best version of the PGA Tour for our fans, players, tournaments and partners. This was a true collaborative effort, and I’m extremely proud of the PAC for the time and effort they put into evaluating how we build a stronger PGA Tour,” the PGA Tour Commissioner had said in a release. It’s safe to say that fans were not happy. Now add this to the latest development, and the displeasure has become more widespread.

Monday Q Info shared on its X account from Southwest PGA’s official X account, where the organization made a drastic announcement on January 31. “The WM Phoenix Open General Qualifier will be held on Monday, February 3, at Pinnacle Peak Country Club, Located at 8701 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Three (3) participants will earn a coveted spot in the WM Phoenix Open,” the statement read, before continuing…

“This will be the FINAL General Qualifier for the WM Phoenix Open, as the PGA Tour will be ending Open Qualifying starting in 2026. Open Qualifying has been a tradition for the Phoenix Open since 1948. The Southwest PGA oversees all qualifying for the WM Phoenix Open. We invite and encourage the public to come out, FREE of charge, to support the competitors and watch some great golf,” the statement concluded with.

Sharing the tweet, Monday Q Info wrote, “😔😔😔”. 

Even the director of operations for the Southwest Section PGA Bill Ibrahim appeared dejected over the development. “Sad to be the final one. The first qualifier for the Phoenix Open was in 1948 and has run consecutively since then,” he noted.

Top Comment by Cowchip

PGA is built on tradition, comparing golfers over the years. Monahan is destroying the golf game I have enjoyed with...more

Share your take

Debate

And, as expected, the drastic change in the tradition has further fueled the frustration of the fans. Let’s see what they had to say.

Fans frustrated about the new change proposed by the PGA Tour

With another decades-old practice set to be discontinued in 2026, fans were bound to show their displeasure towards it. One of the fans stated their frustrations towards Jay Monahan & co. as they said “@PGATOUR Shame on the Tour!!!!!” They seem to suggest that the PGA Tour should be embarrassed to break the tradition. Another commented, “Is this about “history” or “tradition?” Ask Jay when you see him.” They seem to question Jay Monahan’s intent behind taking such a drastic step.

A follower also stated, “It’s such a shame. What a shortsighted move by the PGAT.” They believe that the Tour will regret their decision in the future. The board replacing Jay Monahan & co. might face issues of not having a circulation of good players if they make this permanent. Another Tweet said, “So dumb. The ridiculous decisions continue. SMH”. They seem infuriated with the frequent bad changes implemented by the PGA Tour.

Then there was one user who shared, “The @pgatour is intent on self destruction as a spectator sport. Interest is already waning. @PGATOURComms”. Their frame of thought is quite accurate considering the major drop in viewership the Tour has experienced recently. If the wayward decision-making and bad play continue, the PGA Tour might lose its value in professional golf, as per many.

What do you think of the new decision taken by Jay Monahan & co.? Share your views in the comments section.