The PGA Tour is adding the top 50 FedEx Cup finishers this year to its Player Equity Program, significantly expanding a groundbreaking initiative that’s already distributed over $1 billion to more than 200 players.
Brian Rolapp, PGA Tour Enterprises CEO, outlined the expansion in a memo to players Thursday, just a week before the 2026 season begins. The memo also included updates on the progress of Tiger Woods’ committee working on a new schedule model.
This expansion stems from player discussions at the Rocket Classic shortly after Rolapp took over as CEO. The tour’s November board meeting approved the change, which will roughly double the number of players receiving recurring grants this year.
“By broadening the Player Equity Program, we’re reaffirming our commitment to recognizing competitive performance and ensuring more of our members have the opportunity to share in the PGA Tour’s long-term success,” Rolapp wrote.
The equity program launched nearly two years ago when the tour partnered with Strategic Sports Group — a consortium of North American sports owners led by Fenway Sports Group. The group initially pledged $1.5 billion with potential to double that investment.
The program initially awarded $750 million to 36 players based on career performance, recent results, and star power measured through the Player Impact Program. Another $75 million went to 64 players based on three-year performance, $30 million to 57 current tour members, and $75 million to 36 past players who helped build the tour.
The program also set aside $600 million in recurring equity grants for future players, to be awarded at $100 million annually starting in 2025.
The 2025 grants will be distributed in April, while this year’s top 50 FedEx Cup finishers will receive their grants in April 2027. The final FedEx Cup standings are determined after the BMW Championship.
The initial $930 million in grants vest gradually — 50% after four years, 75% after six years, and fully vested after eight years. The annual recurring shares are fully vested after six years.
The 2025 grants for 20-plus players are calculated based on three-year career points, last season’s career points, and the Player Impact Program. The latest PIP results haven’t been released yet.
In total, more than 213 PGA Tour members now share approximately $1.3 billion in equity grants.
“As the sports industry continues to evolve and attract significant investment, your ownership in the PGA Tour is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation,” Rolapp wrote. “The PGA Tour’s player ownership model stands out as a groundbreaking approach — giving you the opportunity to benefit from the PGA Tour’s growth and success in ways that go beyond weekly purse earnings. In short, as the PGA Tour does better, so do you.”
Schedule Changes Still in Development
Rolapp didn’t provide specific details on the potential schedule revamp being explored by the Future Competition Committee. The committee is considering an “iconic start” to the season, expanding into major markets like New York, Chicago, and Boston (where the tour doesn’t currently have regular events), and enhancing the tour’s merit-based structure.
He emphasized that these discussions remain exploratory with no final decisions made.
Rolapp also addressed concerns about his “scarcity” principle, which some interpreted as a plan to reduce tournaments.
“When we talk about scarcity, the goal is to make every event matter more to fans, players and partners — not dramatically reducing the number of total events, playing opportunities or access,” he explained. “The Committee is still exploring all options, and our priority is to create a schedule that maximizes engagement and value for everyone involved.”
