$40 Million Golfer Calls Out the PGA Tour With Brutal Message
Following the PGA Tour Policy Board's ratification of exclusivity-driven reforms, cutting full-time membership from 125 to 100 and shrinking Signature Event fields, Lucas Glover bluntly slams the current structure.
Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion and career earner of more than $40 million, didn't hold back on Thursday at the Truist Championship when he called the PGA Tour's Signature Events 'too exclusive'.
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"I've been on record as saying I was not a fan of these when they hatched the idea of them. I didn't like them then and I've been in most of them since they started and I still don't like them." Grover told the Golf Channel.
Lucas Glover reacts after putting on the sixth green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.© Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
"I've been on the record as saying I don't like cutting 200 cards and I still don't. I think it's getting too exclusive, and we're not giving enough opportunity. I've been pretty outspoken about that. I think the majority would agree with that. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like the majority matters, so it is what it is at this point and we're just dealing with it." He added.
"The PGA Tour established Signature Events in response to LIV Golf poaching many of its top stars. LIV prides itself on playing 54 holes with 48-to-54-man fields. Those tournaments have $20 million purses and are played across the world." Jack Milko wrote on March 9.
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His outspokenness contrasts with many peers who have remained publicly neutral, signaling growing unease among veteran competitors.
With eight Signature Events offering $20 million purses and 700 FedEx Cup points to winners, the Tour has created a two-tier system that rewards top earners while limiting access for others. Glover's critique echoes earlier warnings that the model could fracture locker-room unity and deepen the gulf between elite stars and rank-and-file professionals.
Related: PGA Tour Makes Concerning Announcement This Week
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