Earlier in January, many sources reported that the PGA Tour is looking to revamp the current staggered-start format for its FedExCup playoff finale at East Lake. In 2019, a model for ‘starting strokes’ was introduced. According to this, the top names in the FedExCup ranking would get a head start from the remaining field as a reward for their season-long play. More specifically, the FedExCup No. 1 would begin the event at 10-under-par, second starts at 8-under, and so on. But the biggest reason was that this iteration of the Tour Championship didn’t necessarily strike a chord with many golfers or the fans.

In fact, the World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, even called the format “silly” in 2024. Hence, with the discussion underway, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan told the presser in January that while changing the format could hinder the “strong consumption” the sport has seen since 2019, they “want to make sure that the moves that we’re making, No. 1, respond to fans, and that the players themselves believe in and have advocated for before we make any changes.” And now, many options are in play, including the bracket-style and match-play competition.

Interestingly, the ‘starting strokes’ format was first brought in because the concept followed from 2007 to 2018 where two champions were crowned was convoluted to say the least. First champion was one who performed the best in Atlanta, and the second would be the FedEx Cup points list topper. However, seems like the current version has also run its race and we are in for something that would “ultimately be an improvement in the Tour Championship” as Monahan put it. And we now have the latest updates for the 30-man championship.

According to Golfweek, players reached a consensus at last week’s Player Advisory Council (PAC) meeting that starting strokes no longer belong in the format. Monahan has played a hands-on role in shaping the future of the Tour Championship, stressing the need for a format that better reflects the expectations of players, fans, and sponsors alike. Recent policy board meetings have heavily focused on the issue, with Monahan noting it remains a priority heading into continued discussions with the PAC.

One of the most influential voices in those conversations has been Scheffler, who’s been outspoken in his belief that the current structure doesn’t do justice to a season-long competition. “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament,” he argued– a sentiment that resonates with many in the game. Together, Monahan and Scheffler are helping steer a collaborative effort to redesign the Tour Championship into a more balanced, competitive, and respected finale, ensuring it rewards consistency without losing the drama fans expect.

Adam Scott, who serves on the PGA Tour policy board, didn’t mince words. “I thought it needed improving. That was my thing. I thought I could give good perspective and help make it more straightforward, easy, and more respected throughout all sports. I’ve been sidetracked a lot,” Scott said. He even called the staggered-start system “gimmicky,” noting it added confusion to what should be the Tour’s most straightforward and prestigious event.

Sam Burns, who sits on the PAC’s competitions committee, said, “All year we start even—and then in our biggest tournament of the year, there are starting strokes? There’s a bit of a disconnect.” The players clearly want a more traditional format that fans can easily understand. And while everyone has different ideas of what the perfect system looks like, they all seem to agree on this much: it’s time for a change that gives every player a shot while still respecting the grind of the regular season.

Additionally, the new format will not be match play or bracket-style, ensuring it stays true to the tournament’s roots while introducing the desired improvements. While bracket style tournament like the NCAA basketball’s March Madness was a thing in the past for the now-discontinued WGC Match Play Championship during 1999-2023, it’s not given much votes recently.

Now, before anyone gets too excited, 2025 is what the Tour is calling a “bridge year.” That means we won’t see a fully locked-in, long-term format just yet. Changes will start to roll out this season, but the final version depends on a few more puzzle pieces falling into place—including feedback from the Tour’s broadcast partners (NBC and CBS), presenting sponsors like FedEx and Coca-Cola, and, of course, the fans, who are currently showing mixed reactions to the possible change.

Fans pour in their divided opinions

The news made waves on social media when @UnderdogGolf tweeted, via @golfweek. And the replies? Classic golf chatter. “Finally the starting strokes are gone,” one fan exclaimed, speaking for many who’ve found the staggered leaderboard both anti-climactic and confusing. It’s been a sticking point for years—fans felt it robbed the event of true competition, creating too much of a head start for the season points leader. Now, everyone starts even. But not all reactions were glowing, though.

“I like starting strokes icl so not a fan of this,” one user chimed in, pointing out that the format did reward season-long consistency. And some were even more fired up about the new format, “The people demand match play,” another posted. That format, though often floated, was ruled out by players who felt it didn’t fit the Tour’s DNA—too much risk of top names going out early, killing viewership and buzz before Sunday. However, TV partners might be sliding towards that side of the scale.

One user stated bluntly: “No matter what they do, no one will care about the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup vs the majors,” drawing a parallel to how, no matter how much effort goes into making the Tour Championship a more competitive or exciting event, it will always play second fiddle to the iconic and deeply ingrained traditions of golf’s major championships. Fans and players alike will always prioritize the significance of the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship above all else, no matter the format changes for the season-ender.

The big question that the fans are now asking: how do you make the TOUR Championship fair and dramatic without it feeling like a gimmick or a shrug-fest? One fan might’ve nailed it with this: “Every player that makes the Tour Championship should have a fair shot at winning that event. It should be one of the premier trophies on the calendar. But somehow you need to also reward players who have played the best all season in having a better chance to win the FedExCup.”

Whatever shape this new format takes, one thing is clear—change is coming, and for better or worse, the TOUR Championship won’t look the same again.