Harris English Supports Possible PGA Tour Season Start Shift

Veteran golfer Harris English has said he is ready to accept big changes if they help improve the PGA Tour in the coming years. Speaking at a news conference before the RSM Classic in Georgia, English talked openly about possible adjustments to the tour schedule, including a major idea that has been rumored recently. One suggestion is to move the start of the PGA Tour season to after the Super Bowl, allowing golf to avoid competing with the NFL playoffs for viewers and attention.

English said that even though he enjoys the current early-season tournaments in Hawaii and on the West Coast, he understands why leaders of the tour are considering the shift. He believes the goal is to have the best players compete together more often and to make the PGA Tour stronger overall.

English explained that the PGA Tour cannot compete with American football when it comes to attention and audience size. The NFL playoffs attract millions of viewers, leaving golf in a difficult position during the early part of the year. By shifting the start of the golf season to after the Super Bowl, tournaments would have fewer scheduling conflicts and could draw more fans.

He also said that the tour wants a structure where top players do not skip many events, which could help tournaments become more competitive and more exciting for fans around the world.

Harris English is 36 years old and has been on the PGA Tour since 2012. He said he knows the future will bring tougher competition as younger players rise and expectations change. Even so, he is ready to accept the challenge. His attitude is simple: “Whatever it takes is what it takes.”

Although he supports the long-term vision of the tour, English admitted he would personally miss the tournaments that are held early in Hawaii and California. He has a strong history of playing well in those events and enjoys starting his season there. Losing those tournaments would be disappointing for him, but he accepts that changes might be needed for the greater good of the tour.

English expressed trust in the direction of new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, who previously worked for the NFL for more than two decades. He believes Rolapp brings a fresh perspective and understands how a major sports league can grow in a competitive environment.

English expects that by 2027, the PGA Tour may have a calendar where all tournaments are equal instead of today’s mix of elevated events and regular ones. He said having a schedule with 20 to 22 events of equal status would encourage top players to participate in every tournament, making the season more exciting and fair.

Although he is open to change, English also hopes the PGA Tour will continue to support smaller tournaments, particularly those held in the fall. He pointed out that events like the RSM Classic play an important role in local communities and allow fans in smaller markets to watch world-class golf.

He said that many parts of the United States do not get big tournaments often, so fall events help bring the sport to new audiences. English believes these tournaments should not disappear, even if the schedule changes. He hopes the tour leaders will find the right place for them in the new calendar.

English said he is putting his full trust in tour leadership and wants to help build a stronger future for the sport. He believes that even though change can be difficult, the PGA Tour must evolve to remain successful. With new ideas, new leadership, and support from players, English is hopeful that the next few years will make the PGA Tour better, more exciting, and more balanced for players and fans.