PGA Tour holds talks over Rory McIlroy's 'cutthroat' rule change suggestion

Members of the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC) have met to discuss potential changes after concerns were raised about some aspects of the American-based circuit.

Eligibility status on the PGA Tour has come under scrutiny in the last 12 months .

A new 'Signature Event' programme, which started this year, was introduced to ensure its top players compete against each other more often.

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Several prestigious PGA Tour events were upgraded as part of the revamp, each boasting prize funds of £15.2 million with only 70 players battling it out for a share of the money - with no cut.

However, at regular Tour events, fields currently range from 144 to 156 players which has led to worries surrounding playing times because of these extensive lists, reports the Mirror .

According to Golfweek , these concerns have prompted some of the Tour's top players and members of the PAC to meet and discuss a potential vote on whether to make alterations.

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And while a number of participants would like to see the field size reduced as daylight hours are often insufficient to complete rounds before the 36-hole cut, players at the lower end of the rankings are apprehensive about having their playing opportunities restricted.

"We want every single player who earns a full Tour card to have a fair opportunity to compete on the PGA Tour," one player, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

Performance in the FedEx Cup standings is currently essential for securing playing rights for the following season.

This year, any player ranked in the top 50 after the regular season will earn full exemption into all lucrative Signature Events for 2025.

Further down the list, Tour players who finish the year inside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings will retain a full Tour card.

According to the report, an anonymous player stressed that any changes must be implemented quickly, stating: "You have to get it done for 2026 2025 is baked in but it has to be set in motion so guys know what they are playing for (next season)."

One advocate for reduced field sizes and fewer Tour cards is Rory McIlroy , who stated in March: "No, I mean, I'm all for making it more cutthroat, more competitive. Probably won't be very popular for saying this but I'm all for less players and less Tour cards, and the best of the best.''

He continued, commenting on the debate about cut lines in the Tour's Signature Events: "When all these signature events were thought of, we were thinking no cut, but if it's important enough, or if it's that important to Tiger and Jack and if Arnold were alive, if it was important enough for him, then it's their tournament, at the end of the day, and they can do whatever they want."