The PGA Tour will expand the fields of the first two tournaments on the schedule — if they are played — from the 120 common for invitationals to 144.
Barring further cancellations, the next two events are the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio.
“We are working around the clock to make adjustments to our future schedule,” said a memo to Tour players obtained by Golf Channel. “To this end, please know that it is a priority of the Tour and the player advisory council to maximize additional playing opportunities this season.”
Golfchannel.com also reported that the Tour may double up later in the year and play two tournaments during the same weeks.
In addition, the Tour’s new pace of play policy, which was to have gone into effect in April, is being pushed back to next year.
The Tour also outlined some financial help coming to players. While IRS regulations prohibit paying players directly, they are allowing an advance of up to $100,000, based on their current FedEx Cup standing. Advances will be deducted from their final FedEx Cup bonus.
“From the start, we have pledged to listen and be responsive to the needs of our players in this unprecedented time, when events are canceled and our members’ ability to compete on the field of play – their livelihood – is on hold,” a Tour spokesperson said in a statement.
“Through the support of our policy board and player advisory council, we’re pleased to have found a creative solution to advance payments to players for current and future performance and/or services, which is consistent with our business model.”