Among the many issues brought up in a letter that was shared by the PGA Tour with its players was the potential cancellation of seven Monday qualifiers. This topic will be among those voted on in November by the Board of Directors.
Golfweek was first to report that these changes were in the works in June. The proposal, a copy of which Golfweek has obtained, indicates that maximum field sizes will be reduced. It has become a growing concern that field sizes of 144 and 156 are causing too many occurrences of failing to make a cut on Friday, and shortening fields should rectify that but it also removes playing opportunities for the membership.
Who stands to lose a Monday Q?
Monday qualifiers would no longer be held at the Sony Open, WM Phoenix Open, Mexico Open at Vidanta, Cognizant Classic, Puerto Rico Open, Corales Puntacana Championship and Myrtle Beach Championship.
The Phoenix Open qualifier earlier this year drew 104 golfers after more than 600 signed up for one of the eight pre-qualifiers. Only the top three finishers in that Monday Q advanced to TPC Scottsdale.
The qualifiers at the Valspar Championship, Texas Children’s Houston Open and Valero Texas Open would survive but would be reduced from four spots to two spots available.
Five golfers have won as Monday qualifiers
There have been five golfers since 1980 who won a PGA Tour event after Monday qualifying earlier in the week:
- Corey Conners, 2019 Valero Texas Open
- Arjun Atwal, 2010 Wyndham Championship
- Fred Wadsworth, 1986 Southern Open
- Kenny Knox, 1986 The Honda Classic
- Jeff Mitchell, 1980 Phoenix Open
The Tour’s Policy Board is scheduled to meet ahead of the RSM Classic on Nov. 18.