Golf is getting its very own ‘World Cup’ with a brand new style that’s never been seen before.
The 2028 PGA Tour will feature a brand-new event called the World Cup of Golf, as part of some exciting changes to the season finale. This tournament was created by a group led by Tiger Woods, known as the Future Competition Committee, and is set to happen in 2028.
The World Cup of Golf is expected to be the longest event ever in professional golf, following a format similar to the FIFA World Cup in soccer. It will last two weeks, with the top 32 players from the PGA Tour’s points list divided into eight groups of four.
In the first stage, players compete in groups, and the top two from each group will move on to the knockout rounds. At this point, the players will switch to a new course for the Round of 16 and beyond.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and several players have shared their thoughts on how this tournament could help grow the sport. Rolapp said the event will be “gruelling, challenging,” and a great way to finish the PGA Tour season. He hopes it will introduce golf to many new fans.
The winner of the World Cup of Golf will earn what is expected to be the biggest prize check in golf history. Lots of top players are already excited about the tournament.
Rory McIlroy, who recently won the Masters again, said, “Two weeks, two different venues… It’s cool. I really like the idea. The PGA Tour and everyone involved have listened to what fans want, which is more match play.” He also took a jab at LIV Golf players amid talks of a possible merger.
US Open winner Wyndham Clark compared the tournament to a Grand Slam tennis event because it lasts two weeks. “The two-week format reminds me of a major tennis event like Wimbledon,” he said. “It’s something special for golf.”
Alex Fitzpatrick, a rising star on the PGA Tour, was happy about the football-like format. “I’m a big football fan, and I think having group stages and knockouts is a great way to play golf,” he said.
Young South Korean star Si Woo Kim said he’s excited for a change from the regular 72-hole stroke-play events. “This is going to be way more fun,” he said.
Tiger Woods, who leads the Future Competition Committee, celebrated the announcement on Twitter (now X): “The end of the season should match the journey to get there. This announcement shows the hard work and passion of our players. I’m excited to bring a new era of match play to the PGA Tour.”