Australian golf’s major events could be weakened considerably under a proposed change to the US PGA Tour schedule.
The US PGA Tour has floated changes to its season and Qualifying School system which would see it move to a ‘wrap-around’ style schedule, starting at the back end of one calendar year into the next.
This places actual money list standings and FedEx Cup points to tournaments throughout October, November and December effectively forcing Australian players to play later into the year.
This in turn jeopardises their involvement in the Australian Open, Masters and PGA as fatigue factors are considered.
With the high likelihood of extra US-sanctioned events being added in Asia, potentially in direct competition to Australia’s triple crown, the depth of fields could be ripped apart at the seams.
While the likes of Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy may still choose country over money, fringe tour players like current Australian Open champion Greg Chalmers would be risking a lot to forgo tournaments on the US Tour.
And other American players are less likely to be wooed by Australian tournament officials, even with appearance fees, if they can play for US PGA Tour money and points elsewhere.
“Guys will play deeper into the US season and fatigue will mean they are more willing to take a tournament or two off in Australia,” Ogilvy admitted after hearing the proposal at a players meeting in San Diego.
“I’d still play in Australia because I like to play there but it also might affect us being able to bring the big names to our events.”
Robert Allenby also admitted the Australian Tour faces stiff problems if the changes go ahead.
He expects those who get through the new Q-School style system to prioritise the US events ahead of those at home.
Under the new system the top 125 players on the PGA Tour money list would make the play-offs and retain cards for the following year.
The 75 players finishing from 126-200 and the top 75 from the secondary Nationwide Tour would play in a three-event series in September.
The players would be seeded based on their performance during the year and the top 50 at the end of the three events would be given cards.
The new season would then start in October.
“They will also be playing for a lot more money in the US than in Australia so guys will think it’s a no- brainer to stay in the US and play,” Allenby said.
“The Australian tours will certainly miss out because all the fringe guys will want to play in the new early events to get off to a fast start.”
The PGA of Australia could attempt to have events co-sanctioned by the US Tour but this is highly unlikely.
“They won’t co-sanction Australia because the US Tour don’t need it,” Allenby said.
“They tried it with the Nationwide Tour and it was great but the American players complained about travel.
“The Australian tour might like it but I don’t see it happening. The US Tour doesn’t classify anything we do in Australia and probably never will.”