PGA Tour’s 2028 restructure threatens the future of the RBC Canadian Open
New series format and financial demands
The PGA Tour plans to divide its schedule into a top‑tier Championship Series and a second‑tier Challenger Series starting in 2028. Only a handful of dates will be allocated to the elite events, and organizers will need to secure roughly $30 million in sponsorship to keep a tournament in the Championship Series.
Corey Conners wants the Canadian Open in the Championship Series
Corey Conners, a Canadian who has played in the event since 2013, says he would fight to keep the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour’s premier schedule. He believes a spot in the Championship Series would preserve the tournament’s prestige and help maintain its history.
Schedule and qualification challenges
The Canadian Open currently sits between Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament and the U.S. Open in early June, with the Travelers Championship the following week. If it becomes a Championship Series event, the field could shrink dramatically, limiting the number of Canadian competitors. As a Challenger Series event, top players such as Conners would be barred, and open qualifying is likely to be eliminated altogether.
Possible third option: International Series
A memo from the Tour hints at a limited International Series in the fall, featuring high‑profile events that do not affect the season‑long points race. These tournaments would be staged alongside Europe’s DP World Tour and could serve as a compromise, though they would still reduce Canadian participation.
Implications for fans and players
Fans in Canada hope the National Open will continue to attract the world’s best players and retain its historic character. The uncertainty surrounding scheduling, sponsorship costs, and the potential removal of open qualifying leaves the future of the RBC Canadian Open in flux, with decisions expected in the coming months.
