So we all know the PGA Tour is considering major changes to its format, starting in 2026. The goal is to tackle the persistent issue of delayed finishes due to darkness, which has plagued 28% of tournaments this year. The proposed changes are significant yet impactful and we’re here to explain why.  Field sizes will shrink for most full-field events before daylight which will help the tour in saving time, capping at 120 players.

Exceptions apply, like the American Express, which keeps its 156-player field. Popular events like the Sony Open, WM Phoenix Open, and Cognizant Classic will drop from 144 to 120 players. Summer events, such as the RBC Canadian Open and Rocket Mortgage Classic, will come down to 144 from 156 players. Recently, Micheal Kim expressed his thoughts on the latest update on a recent video by the Smylie Kauffman Show on YouTube. 

When asked about the changes in the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour by Tiger Woods and Co., Kim opened up about his initial doubts but ultimately expressed enthusiasm for the modifications that tackle major issues. The new schedule, kicking off at the Sony Open, had made life tough for Korn Ferry Tour players – exemptions were scarce, and getting into top tournaments like Waste Management and AT&T seemed like a pipe dream. But now, the top 20 players get a better crack at success, and those ranked 101-110 will likely see more action in events.

This shift levels the playing field, giving more golfers a fair shot. Kim knows this struggle firsthand, having played in the Korn Ferry Tour category before breaking through. He’s thrilled to see the changes transform a limited PGA Tour card into a genuine opportunity for success. “So, it’s not harsh, I still think, at the end of the day, it was needed”, said the golfer. Gone are the days of feeling like you’re getting only “66% of a card” – now, it’s a real chance to make a name for yourself in golf. “Um, at least to get these Korn Ferry Tour guys to just… when we tell you, ‘Give you a card,’ I used to joke, ‘No, it’s like a 66% card, it’s like two-thirds of a card, it’s not a full card”, said the golfer.

However, Kim still thinks that there’s a flaw in how the PGA Tour manages the new changes in their pace of play rules.

Micheal Kim says “PR isn’t the PGA Tour’s specialty”

You know things are heating up in the golf world when players like Michael Kim start speaking out against the PGA Tour’s proposed pace-of-play rules. The Tour’s trying to tackle delayed finishes, but it’s clear there’s more to it than just enforcing a few new regulations. “Promise you, no player on tour sees this and is adjusting their pre-shot routine for better or worse”, he said.

Now, the PGA Tour finds itself in a tricky spot, PR-wise and Michael Kim agrees, “PR isn’t the PGA tour’s specialty, unfortunately, haha”, he tweeted. It’s got to balance player concerns with the need for speedier play. That means being transparent, empathetic, and clear about the benefits. No easy feat! The tour needs to show that it’s listening and put the fan experience first. If it pulls it off, this could be a win-win situation for everyone. But if not, things could get ugly fast.