Gary McCord, a veteran of the PGA Tour, has proposed an innovative plan to reshape the future of professional golf. The 77-year-old, known for his extensive experience playing and commenting on golf, has shared his latest ideas on the popular podcast, Subpar.
Ambitious Transformation of the PGA Tour
McCord, who played in over 400 tournaments and was a key figure behind the all-exempt tour model introduced in the early 1980s, is now advocating for a major structural change to the PGA Tour. His proposal suggests dividing the Tour into two distinct divisions, reminiscent of the organizational structure in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL).
Overview of McCord’s Vision
- Two divisions, each comprising 110-player fields.
- Each division to host 18 events, including cuts for 70 players.
- Inclusion of four major championships and the Players Championship.
- Total of 41 tournaments in a season starting after the Super Bowl in February.
McCord explained, “We’ve taken the Tour from 100 guys — 110 on this side, 110 on this side — to 220. With less tournaments, that works pretty good.” As golf faces stiff competition from LIV Golf and the implementation of limited-field events, these proposed changes aim to enhance the structure and excitement of the PGA Tour.
Franchising and Player Dynamics
Within McCord’s framework, each division would feature multiple franchises, which could be organized around specific tournaments. For instance, the WM Phoenix Open could own a franchise, allowing for player drafts and trades among tournaments. Players might also have the flexibility to switch between leagues for select events.
The Championship Showdown
As the pinnacle of this league system, McCord envisions a high-stakes Ryder Cup-style competition. This event would see the best players from each division face off for ultimate bragging rights.
This ambitious plan highlights McCord’s ongoing commitment to evolving the PGA Tour amid changing dynamics in the world of golf. For full insights into McCord’s ideas, listeners can tune into the latest episode of Subpar.
