Jason Day Highlights PGA Tour’s Two-Tier System Amid LIV Golf Influence

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Jason Day, the Australian golf star, has voiced concerns about the PGA Tour‘s evolving structure, suggesting it has effectively split into two tiers following the introduction of lucrative Signature Events. Day, competing at the Farmers Insurance Open this week, believes the Tour’s top players are increasingly isolated from the rest of the field due to these exclusive tournaments.

Day, who has played in The Sentry and the American Express this season, noted the absence of several top players in early-season events. World No. 2 Xander Schauffele has only competed once, while other stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have yet to tee off in the U.S. this year. Day attributed this trend to the rise of Signature Events, which cater exclusively to the Tour’s elite.

“Well, there are two tours within a tour now if you could understand that,” Day said. “I think you have the top guys playing the Signature Events and you have the other side of it, too. I think that just happened purely because of the way that when LIV came about, and it’s unfortunate but that’s what — ultimately that’s what we’re dealing with now.”

The emergence of LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has disrupted the traditional golf landscape. LIV’s shorter, 14-event schedule has drawn comparisons to Day’s suggestion for a condensed PGA Tour calendar. “The only way you’re going to get the best players in the world is to shrink the schedule down dramatically,” Day added. “I think essentially that’s kind of what they’re doing now within the Tour.”

Day’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about the PGA Tour’s future, including a potential merger with LIV Golf. A framework agreement was announced in June 2023, but details remain scarce. Meanwhile, high-profile withdrawals from events like the Farmers Insurance Open have fueled rumors of player discontent. Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 5 in the world, recently pulled out, sparking debate among fans and analysts.

Podcaster Jay Aaron (@ProGolfCritic) suggested on social media that top players might be withholding participation until the merger is finalized. “I had heard unsubstantiated rumors that some top players were going to hold out of tournaments until this deal got done,” he wrote. Retired PGA Tour golfer Colt Knost dismissed the claims, attributing withdrawals to personal reasons and injuries.

As Day prepares to compete alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Max Homa in Wednesday’s opening round, the broader implications of the Tour’s two-tier system remain a hot topic. With LIV Golf’s influence growing and the PGA Tour’s future uncertain, the sport faces a pivotal moment in its history.