Rickie Fowler Risks Backlash After Supporting PGA Tour’s Change
Rickie Fowler is backing a major and controversial change in the PGA Tour, despite growing frustration from fellow pros. The Tour recently announced that it would reduce the number of full-time player cards from 125 to 100. A move that has sparked backlash from players fighting to keep their Tour status.
Fowler, a former world No. 6, shared his thoughts ahead of this week’s John Deere Classic, where many players are scrambling for FedEx Cup points. Unlike others in the field, Fowler’s Tour future isn’t in jeopardy, yet he believes trimming the number of cards is a step toward elevating the PGA Tour’s overall competitiveness.
“We all want the PGA Tour to be the most elite tour there is out here,” Fowler said. “I’m not saying just 100 is how we get there, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Pushback from Fellow Pros
Not everyone shares Fowler’s view. Lucas Glover, one of the more vocal critics, slammed the decision.
“I think it’s terrible,” Glover told Golfweek, adding that citing pace-of-play issues to justify the reduction was an ‘insult to intelligence.’ “Just say you’re trying to appease six guys and keep them from leaving.”
Glover’s comments reflect broader unrest among lower-ranked players who believe the Tour is catering to top-tier stars, especially with Signature Events that offer $20 million purses to 70-man fields with no cuts.
Interestingly, Fowler and Glover do agree on the current format. Signature Events and opposite-field tournaments running simultaneously dilutes the integrity of the competition.
What This Means for the PGA Tour
Fowler hinted the Tour may eventually hand out fewer cards while possibly reducing the total number of events as well. He sees a rookie’s first year now more like a tryout than a true Tour membership.
The PGA finds itself at a crossroads: elevate its prestige by tightening access or preserve its inclusive nature for up-and-coming talent. For now, Fowler’s stance aligns with the Tour’s elite vision, though not without stirring the pot among his peers.
