Harrington Criticizes PGA Tour's 2026 Plans

Padraig Harrington has openly criticized the PGA Tour's proposed changes for the 2026 season, describing them as 'terrible.' The changes involve reducing field sizes, eliminating Monday qualifiers, and lowering the number of PGA Tour members from 125 to 100, with the intention of addressing slow play issues. Harrington argues that these adjustments favor those already established within the tour, limiting opportunities for emerging players. He likens the slow pace of play to 'rush hour traffic' and suggests that a strong secondary tour, like the European Tour, could provide alternative opportunities. Despite recognizing slow play as a problem, Harrington believes that reducing field sizes is not the right solution and dismisses the notion that the existing system was inadequate. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining open opportunities for all players, particularly underdogs striving to break into the tour.