PGA TOUR eliminating cuts in designated events in 2024

The PGA TOUR is implementing smaller fields and eliminating cuts for eight designated events in 2024, commissioner Jay Monahan announced Wednesday.

The four majors, the Players Championship, and the FedEx Cup playoff tournaments will not be affected. Fields in the reconfigured designated events will feature 70-78 players.

"These smaller, designated event fields will not only deliver substantial, can't-miss tournaments to our fans at important intervals throughout the season, but they will also enhance the quality of full-field events," Monahan said.

"Together, this approach provides a schedule that is cohesive, compelling, consequential and with clarity for fans, players and sponsors alike."

Designated events, introduced this season, were designed to attract the sport's top players to more tournaments with the incentive of higher purses. The idea was perceived as a response to the success of LIV Golf, which also features smaller fields and no cuts.

The rival circuit wasn't shy about pointing it out.

Three designated events have already been played this season: the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the Genesis Invitational. Others on the docket include this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, the RBC Heritage, and the Wells Fargo Championship, among others.

The top 50 players from the 2023 FedEx Cup points list will automatically qualify for next year's designated events. The top 10 players in the current year, the top five players in events between designated events, and current year tournament winners will also be included.

"I love it," Rory McIlroy said. "I think it makes the TOUR more competitive. ... I'm all about rewarding good play."

McIlroy added: "There's ways to play into it. It's trying to get the top guys versus the hot guys, right? I think that creates a really compelling product."

Designated events are set to rotate from year to year, and 2024's schedule will be announced at a later date.