NASSAU, Bahamas - The PGA Tour will require players to visit at least one tournament they have not played in the past four years starting with the 2016-17 season.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem confirmed the new policy Wednesday at the Hero World Challenge. The new rule will apply to those who play less than 25 tournaments per season.
"We think it changes the culture a little bit, an expectation that you move your schedule around a little bit,'' Finchem said at Albany Golf Club, where the Hero World Challenge begins on Thursday.
"A guy who is playing a ton, it doesn't affect that player. If you're playing a mid-level [amount of tournaments], then you need to move it around a little bit and add a tournament. I think it's reasonable and fair. You'll find some players who don't like it, but generally speaking, the players are understanding of it and supportive of it.
"It's to give us a little more balance," he said. "But it really helps in the markets we play to have some of these players be there at some point. We like that part about it.''
Players are required to play 15 PGA Tour events per season to retain membership, but the regular-season schedule has 37 weeks. The major championships and World Golf Championship tournaments do not count for this policy, so a player could potentially have 29 events to choose from each year to build a schedule.
For example, there are numerous events that No. 1-ranked Jordan Spieth has not yet played, entering his fourth season. He would be required to pick one of those tournaments and add it for the 2016-17 season.
Failure to comply will result in what the tour calls a "major penalty,'' which could mean a fine of at least $20,000, or a possible suspension.
Various veteran players will be exempt from the requirement based on their age or status, including Phil Mickelson, who is 45. Lifetime members, who have a minimum of 20 victories, will also not have to comply with the new rule.
Finchem said the PGA Tour's policy board approved the new rule at a meeting on Nov. 22, with players informed on Monday.