In the 1980s, the PGA Tour underwent a dramatic transformation in its player exemption system, largely due to the efforts of former Tour pro and TV analyst Gary McCord. At that time, the Tour allowed only 60 fully-exempt players, leaving many regular pros outside the top 60 to qualify for tournaments each week. McCord saw the flaws in this system when he noticed well-known Tour winners struggling to qualify for events. Determined to create a more fair and inclusive Tour, McCord embarked on a mission to increase the number of fully-exempt spots available to players.
McCord’s journey to overhaul the PGA Tour’s exemption system began with a powerful realization during a qualifying round at the Doral Tour event in 1983. Witnessing accomplished Tour winners like Miller Barber and Don January vying for spots through Monday qualifiers exposed the shortcomings of the existing structure. Motivated by a desire to provide more opportunities for players to earn a living and succeed in the sport, McCord took a bold step by proposing a significant expansion of fully-exempt spots on the Tour.
With the support of over 80 players, McCord presented his plan to the PGA Tour leadership, including then-commissioner Dean Beaman. To his surprise, Beaman was receptive to the idea of change and recognized McCord as the catalyst for transforming the Tour. Together, they developed a new concept that involved increasing the number of fully-exempt players to 125 and restructuring the Tour into a National and American League format. Despite some initial challenges with the dual-league concept, the PGA Tour ultimately approved McCord’s proposal, leading to a groundbreaking shift in the Tour’s player exemption system.
The implementation of McCord’s plan marked a significant moment in PGA Tour history, offering more stability and opportunities for players outside the top 60 to compete regularly and pursue their professional golf careers. The new system allowed for a more diverse and competitive field of players, enriching the Tour experience for both participants and fans. McCord’s persistence and vision for change not only benefited individual players but also contributed to the overall growth and evolution of the PGA Tour as a premier professional golf organization.
Today, as the PGA Tour undergoes additional changes and adaptations to meet the demands of modern golf competition, the legacy of Gary McCord’s pioneering efforts in restructuring the Tour’s player exemption system remains a testament to the impact of innovative thinking and advocacy within the sport. By challenging the status quo and advocating for greater inclusivity and fairness, McCord set a precedent for future generations of players and stakeholders to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in professional golf.
